Russia has allegedly suggested a prisoner swap involving thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war for two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine, according to insights from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha’s recent visit to South Korea. If this proposal is verified, it could complicate the situation concerning the future of the two North Korean soldiers, who have shown interest in relocating to South Korea. However, some diplomatic sources have cast doubt on whether Moscow would propose such a large-scale exchange.
The issue came to light during Sybiha’s visit to Seoul, where he engaged in talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and participated in discussions at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. In private meetings, Sybiha reportedly mentioned that Russia had proposed returning the captured North Korean troops to Pyongyang in exchange for freeing thousands of Ukrainians held by Russia. These remarks were intended to highlight the complex political decisions faced by Kyiv rather than signal any formal negotiations.
This reported proposal underscores the challenge Ukraine faces in balancing its humanitarian objectives with efforts to secure the release of its citizens. South Korea has reiterated its willingness to accept the North Korean soldiers if they voluntarily choose to resettle there, as it considers North Koreans to be its citizens under the South Korean Constitution. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have assured that they will not forcibly repatriate the prisoners against their will, though a final decision has yet to be made.
Discussions between Seoul and Kyiv have broadened to explore South Korea’s potential role in Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction. Ukraine has shown interest in South Korea’s involvement in rebuilding critical infrastructure, energy facilities, and other sectors after the conflict. However, South Korea has clarified that humanitarian issues related to the prisoners of war are separate from broader collaboration on reconstruction and other assistance forms.
The future of the two North Korean soldiers remains uncertain as both governments continue their consultations based on international law and humanitarian principles. Captured in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025, these soldiers represent the first publicly known instance of North Korean troops being captured alive after their deployment to support Russia’s military efforts. As diplomatic discussions proceed, this case has evolved into a sensitive issue involving humanitarian obligations, potential prisoner exchanges, and broader regional security concerns.