South Korea Seeks Swift Transfer of Captured N. Korean Soldiers from Ukraine

South Korea is pushing for the quick transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers from Ukraine, with officials describing the issue as a key area of cooperation between Seoul and Kyiv.

The two soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region in January, marking the first publicly confirmed case of North Korean troops being taken alive since Pyongyang dispatched forces to support Russia's war effort in the region.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry has been working closely with Ukraine to facilitate the transfer of the soldiers, with Seoul officials saying they are trying to move the process forward as quickly as possible.

The transfer is seen as a delicate issue, with concerns that the soldiers may face severe punishment if returned to North Korea. One of the soldiers has reportedly expressed interest in defying and defecting, while public accounts of their preferences have varied.

Seoul has repeatedly stated that it would accept any captured North Korean soldiers who express a desire to come to the South, asserting that they are constitutionally considered South Korean citizens.

The two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of Russia on January 11, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly announcing the capture.

South Korea has maintained good relations with Ukraine since the start of the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

The issue of the captured soldiers has drawn international attention, with concerns that they could face severe punishment if repatriated to North Korea.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry has been working closely with Ukraine to facilitate the transfer of the soldiers, with Seoul officials saying they are trying to move the process forward as quickly as possible.

The transfer is seen as a key area of cooperation between Seoul and Kyiv, with officials describing the issue as an important area of common interest.

South Korea and Ukraine have already reached a basic understanding on the matter, with Seoul officials saying they are working to advance the process as quickly as possible.

The transfer of the soldiers is expected to be finalized soon, with officials saying they are making efforts towards a quick announcement of the agreement.