Zelensky denies combat with North Korean troops yet, plans POW swaps if captured

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that if North Korean troops are captured, they will be exchanged as prisoners of war for Ukrainian soldiers held by Russia but will not be repatriated to South Korea. However, he confirmed that reports of direct military engagements with North Korean forces are untrue.

In an interview with KBS on October 30, President Zelensky officially stated, “So far, North Korean forces have not participated in combat.”

He refuted media reports claiming that Ukrainian and North Korean troops had clashed, resulting in North Korean casualties, and also denied CNN’s report that North Korean forces had crossed the Ukrainian border.

However, Zelensky noted, “Combat could occur within a few days,” and indicated that there are signs of ongoing negotiations between North Korea and Russia for the deployment of engineering units. He added, “Many North Korean civilians are also expected to be sent to Russian military supply factories.”

President Zelensky also addressed the issue of North Korean prisoners of war. He assured that Ukraine would respect international law and refrain from torturing prisoners, stating, “We are ready to exchange North Korean troops for Ukrainian soldiers.”

This comes amid commentary by experts suggesting that North Korean troops, if not officially acknowledged by Pyongyang, could be classified as mercenaries and potentially encouraged to defect to South Korea.

Zelensky pointed to a drone factory as a likely site where North Korean laborers might be deployed. He stated, “Russia has set up production facilities for ‘Shahed’ suicide drones provided by the Iranian government. North Koreans will gain experience by working in these drone factories.”

This comment is interpreted as a call for more proactive support from the South Korean government, underlining the potential threat of North Korea acquiring drone technology.

Regarding Ukraine’s military needs, Zelensky said, “Air defense systems are our top priority,” citing Ukraine’s vast territory and Russia’s significant missile arsenal.

BY CHULWOONG KIM, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]