Breaking: Captured North Korean Soldiers Fighting for Russia May Defect to Ukraine, Claims Insider Report
North Korean Troops Captured Fighting for Russia in Ukraine: Possible Defection Talks with Seoul
Seoul: In a significant development in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, thousands of North Korean soldiers are reportedly engaging in combat alongside Russian forces. As the war wages on, reports indicate substantial casualties among these troops—approximately 300 killed and 2,700 wounded, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.
Amid the ongoing conflict, the South Korean government is considering the possibility of welcoming North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces, should they wish to defect. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that two North Korean soldiers were seized in the Kursk region of Russia. In a video, one soldier expressed a desire to live in Ukraine, reinforcing the potential for defection.
On January 14, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lee Jae-woong confirmed the government’s intention to discuss defection with Ukraine, highlighting the constitutional classification of all Koreans as South Korean nationals. Although neither soldier has formally requested to defect, Seoul is in active communication with Kyiv regarding this matter.
The South Korean intelligence agency has pledged ongoing collaboration with Ukraine to exchange relevant information. President Zelensky has also proposed a prisoner swap—offering the detained North Korean soldiers in exchange for Ukrainian captives held by Russia.
As the international community monitors these developments, the potential defection of North Korean troops could add a new dimension to the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. South Korea’s constitutional stance and the humanitarian aspects of this situation remain at the forefront of diplomatic conversations. (Source: Yonhap, IANS)
Original Source: https://www.india.com/news/world/north-korea-soldiers-fighting-for-russia-and-captured-by-ukraine-might-defect-to-spy-agency-of-7538423/
Category : World,North Korea,Russia Ukraine War,south korea
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Publish Date: 2025-01-15 01:02:00
