South Korea and Ukraine have decided to conduct joint work on the situation of North Korean prisoners of war captured in Ukraine. The two countries agreed to carry out the process within the framework of international legal norms and humanitarian principles, while respecting the free will of the individuals involved.
According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who was on an official visit to Tokyo, Japan.
Ministry announces joint work
In a written statement after the meeting, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the parties agreed to work together to resolve the issue of North Korean prisoners of war in Ukraine in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.
The statement said: "The parties held in-depth exchanges of views on important regional events, including the war in Ukraine and developments on the Korean Peninsula."
Seoul sends diplomatic effort message
South Korean Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Park Il emphasized that "constructive negotiations" were conducted on the prisoners of war issue, adding that the Seoul government will continue its diplomatic efforts to resolve the problem.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha, who also visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating South and North Korea, drew attention to the need for closer cooperation between the two countries "against threats from Russia and North Korea."
Background: Russia-North Korea strategic partnership
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between Russia and North Korea in June 2024 and entered into force in December 2024 provides for mutual military assistance if one of the parties is attacked.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) estimates that about 2,000 North Korean soldiers sent to the Russia-Ukraine war have been killed in action. The Pyongyang administration has not made an official statement on the number of soldiers or casualties.
