**Title: Ukraine Transfers Two North Korean POWs to South Korea, Zelenskyy Announces**
**Date: September 24, 2026**
In a significant development at the United Nations General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has successfully transferred two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to South Korea. This transfer marks a notable moment in the ongoing conflict involving North Korean troops in support of Russia’s military operations.
During his address on September 23, 2026, Zelenskyy revealed the details of the transfer, stating, “Recently, we sent two North Korean prisoners of war to the Republic of Korea.” He emphasized the challenges associated with capturing North Korean soldiers alive, recounting a harrowing incident where one of the soldiers attempted to take his own life upon realizing he was being taken prisoner. Zelenskyy expressed concern over the use of North Korean soldiers in the conflict, questioning the motivations behind their involvement and criticizing the regime of Kim Jong Un for exploiting them.
Zelenskyy noted that North Korea has reportedly deployed around 15,000 soldiers to assist Russia since 2024, primarily in the Kursk border region. He remarked on the implications of this military support, suggesting that other nations in Asia have likely taken notice of North Korea’s advancements in ballistic missile technology and drone capabilities.
The two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in January 2025, marking the first known apprehension of North Korean troops since their involvement in the conflict began. Zelenskyy previously indicated a willingness to consider returning these soldiers to North Korea in exchange for Ukrainian POWs held by Russia. However, human rights organizations advocated for their repatriation to South Korea, citing the potential for severe repercussions if they were returned to North Korea.
Reports from South Korean media indicated that the two captured soldiers had expressed a desire to defect to South Korea, underscoring the complex nature of their situation. In response to Zelenskyy’s announcement, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs refrained from confirming specific operational details regarding the transfer, citing concerns for the safety and privacy of the individuals involved.
The issue of North Korean POWs was a focal point during a summit held in July in Ankara, Turkiye, where South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and President Zelenskyy discussed the status of these soldiers. Following their meeting, senior presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung stated that both leaders had agreed to address the status of North Korean POWs in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles, while respecting the free will of those involved. This agreement builds upon a prior commitment made during a meeting between the foreign ministers of South Korea and Ukraine in March, where both nations pledged to collaborate on the POW issue under a humanitarian framework.
As the situation continues to evolve, the transfer of the two North Korean soldiers highlights the intricate dynamics of international relations in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader implications of North Korea's military involvement. The actions taken by Ukraine and South Korea may set a precedent for future dealings with POWs and the humanitarian considerations surrounding their treatment and repatriation.