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, โSo far, North Korean forces have not participated in combat.โ
He refuted media reports claiming that Ukrainian and North Korean troops had clashed, resulting in North Korean casualties, and also denied CNNโs report that North Korean forces had crossed the Ukrainian border.
However, Zelensky noted, โCombat could occur within a few days,โ and indicated that there are signs of ongoing negotiations between North Korea and Russia for the deployment of engineering units. He added, โMany North Korean civilians are also expected to be sent to Russian military supply factories.โ
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, โWe are ready to exchange North Korean troops for Ukrainian soldiers.โ
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, โRussia has set up production facilities for โShahedโ suicide drones provided by the Iranian government. North Koreans will gain experience by working in these drone factories.โ
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 Ukraineโs military needs, Zelensky said, โAir defense systems are our top priority,โ citing Ukraineโs vast territory and Russiaโs significant missile arsenal.
BY CHULWOONG KIM, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
