During a visit to South Korea, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reportedly disclosed a striking proposal from Russia: a potential exchange of thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war for two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine. If true, this offer could add complexity to the ongoing diplomatic discussions concerning the fate of the North Korean prisoners, who have indicated a wish to resettle in South Korea. Skepticism remains among diplomatic circles about whether Moscow would propose such a significant exchange.
This development surfaced during Sybiha’s meetings in Seoul with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Sources familiar with these discussions indicate that Russia suggested the repatriation of the North Korean soldiers to Pyongyang in return for the freedom of numerous Ukrainians held by Russia. However, it appears that Sybiha’s remarks were intended to highlight the challenging decisions facing Kyiv, rather than to signal the start of formal negotiations.
The situation underscores Ukraine’s dilemma of reconciling humanitarian concerns with the imperative to secure the release of its citizens. South Korea has reiterated its readiness to welcome the North Korean soldiers should they opt to relocate voluntarily, as the South Korean Constitution considers North Koreans as citizens of the South. Ukrainian officials have also stressed they will not forcefully return the prisoners against their will, yet no definitive resolution has been reached.
Beyond this prisoner exchange issue, discussions between Seoul and Kyiv have broadened to explore South Korea’s involvement in Ukraine’s post-conflict reconstruction. Ukraine has shown interest in South Korea’s participation in rebuilding critical infrastructure, energy sectors, and other essential areas. Meanwhile, South Korea maintains that humanitarian matters concerning prisoners of war should not be conflated with broader cooperative efforts in reconstruction or other assistance forms.
The future of the two North Korean soldiers remains uncertain as both countries engage in talks underpinned by international and humanitarian law. Captured in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025, these soldiers represent the first known instance of North Korean troops being taken alive after their deployment to support Russian military actions. As diplomatic negotiations proceed, the situation has emerged as a sensitive matter involving humanitarian duties, prisoner swaps, and broader regional security issues.
