Zelensky offers North Korean soldier exchange for Ukrainians

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a bold proposal. He is ready to release captured North Korean soldiers in exchange for Ukrainian troops held by Russia. The announcement came in a post on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by a video showing two alleged North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) being questioned.

First-ever North Korean POWs captured in Ukraine

Ukraine revealed on Saturday that it had captured two North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of Russia. This is the first time North Korean soldiers have been taken alive by Ukrainian forces.

In the video shared by Zelensky, one soldier has a jaw wound, while the other’s hands are heavily bandaged. The captured soldiers appear confused. One claims he believed he was on a training mission, unaware he was fighting in a war.

When asked if they wanted to return to North Korea, the responses were mixed. One soldier nodded, while the other hesitated before saying he would follow orders. The interrogator teased, asking if he preferred Ukraine, calling it “nicer here.”

Zelensky’s Statement

Zelensky made his stance clear. “Ukraine is ready to hand over Kim Jong Un’s soldiers if he organizes an exchange for our warriors held in Russia,” he wrote.

In his nightly address, Zelensky claimed one of the POWs had expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine. The president also vowed to capture more North Korean troops. “This is just the beginning. More will follow. The world must see Russia’s dependence on North Korean support,” he declared.

Evidence of North Korea’s Role

Ukraine estimates that 11,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in the Kursk region. This area has seen significant clashes since Ukrainian forces pushed across the border in August.

Reports suggest that North Korean casualties in Kursk are mounting. Ukraine believes over 3,000 have been killed or wounded. A senior U.S. official mentioned “several hundred” casualties, including deaths and injuries, since October.

South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun added more details. After a briefing by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, he revealed that around 300 North Korean troops had died in Russia, with 2,700 injured.

Russia and North Korea Silent

So far, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has acknowledged the presence of North Korean troops in Russia. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of hiding this information to avoid embarrassment.

CNN reached out to the Russian Ministry of Defense and North Korea for comment but received no response.

Ukraine’s Determination

The Ukrainian Security Service released more information about the captures. One North Korean soldier was seized by Ukrainian special forces on January 9. The other was captured by paratroopers.

Zelensky’s strategy highlights Ukraine’s resilience. By exposing North Korea’s involvement and offering a high-profile prisoner swap, Kyiv is putting additional pressure on Moscow.

A Global Message

Ukraine’s move sends a strong message to the world. It emphasizes Russia’s reliance on external support, including from isolated states like North Korea. The proposal also puts Kim Jong Un in a difficult position. Will he negotiate for his soldiers?

Zelensky’s bold statement and Ukraine’s determination continue to reshape the narrative of this conflict. The world watches as Kyiv pushes forward, revealing new layers of this ongoing war.