Ukraine proposes swap of North Korean captives for Ukrainian POWs held in Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine on Jan. 8, 2025. AP-Yonhap

SEOUL, January 13 (AJP) - Kyiv is willing to return captured North Korean soldiers to Pyongyang in exchange for the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday.

In a post on X, he said he is ready to ready to hand them over to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "if he can organize their exchange for our warriors who are being held captive in Russia."

His offer came just a day after he revealed that Ukrainian forces had captured two wounded North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region, a territory currently occupied by Ukraine.

"In addition to the first captured soldiers from North Korea, there will undoubtedly be more. It's only a matter of time before our troops manage to capture others. There should be no doubt left in the world that the Russian army is dependent on military assistance from North Korea," Zelensky said.

"For those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, there may be other options available," he added.

North Korea is believed to have sent over 10,000 soldiers to Russia to support its war in Ukraine, though neither Pyongyang nor Moscow have confirmed or denied their presence.