A South Korean lawmaker from the opposition People Power Party stated that South Korea did not pledge military support to Ukraine in exchange for the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers. The lawmaker, Yoo Yeong-ha, cited the country's intelligence agency as the source of this information. The transfer of the soldiers, who were captured during fighting in Russia's Kursk region, was made without any preconditions, according to Yoo.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had disclosed the transfer of the two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea during a speech at the UN General Assembly. This revelation led to a demand from South Korea's presidential office for an official explanation and apology from Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of violating an agreement to keep the move confidential. However, Ukraine has not apologized or expressed regret over the disclosure so far.
According to Yoo, the Ukrainian government may have announced the transfer of the North Koreans in hopes of spurring public support in South Korea for providing weapons and other aid to Ukraine. South Korea, a major arms producer, has faced pressure from some Western countries and Kyiv to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons but has so far focused on non-lethal aid, including demining equipment.
The two North Korean soldiers were transferred to South Korea in mid-September and are expected to undergo questioning and security screening before the South Korean authorities decide whether to grant them protection and begin the resettlement process. Under South Korean law, the National Intelligence Service investigates applicants in temporary protective custody, verifying their identities, reasons for leaving North Korea, and security-related concerns.
The soldiers, who have no health issues, will be investigated by the National Intelligence Service to determine their eligibility for protection and resettlement in South Korea. The service will verify their identities, reasons for leaving North Korea, and assess any security-related concerns. This process is a standard procedure for North Korean defectors seeking protection in South Korea.
Zelenskiy has stated that more than 8,000 North Korean troops are currently on Russian territory, with preparations underway to deploy a further 10,000 troops. In August, he mentioned that as many as 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be sent to fight for Russia and called on South Korea to provide support for Ukraine's air defense. South Korea has not yet responded to this appeal.
The Ukrainian embassy in Seoul did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter. The transfer of the two North Korean soldiers has highlighted the complexities of the conflict in Ukraine and the involvement of other countries, including South Korea and North Korea. The situation remains a sensitive issue, with multiple parties involved and competing interests at play.
Key points
- South Korea made no promise to provide military support to Ukraine in exchange for the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers.
- The transfer of the soldiers was made without any preconditions, according to a South Korean lawmaker.
- South Korea has so far focused on providing non-lethal aid to Ukraine, including demining equipment.
