Russia allegedly proposed an exchange involving thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war for two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine, according to sources familiar with comments made by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during his trip to South Korea. This potential exchange, if verified, could complicate the ongoing deliberations regarding the future of the two North Korean detainees, who have reportedly expressed a desire to settle in South Korea. Despite this, some diplomatic sources remain skeptical about the likelihood of Moscow offering such a significant deal.
The issue was brought to light during Sybiha’s visit to Seoul, where discussions took place with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Insiders from the private meeting revealed Sybiha’s claim that Russia suggested returning the captured North Korean soldiers to Pyongyang in a trade for the release of numerous Ukrainians held by Russia. These remarks were apparently intended to highlight the complex political decisions facing Kyiv, rather than to announce a formal negotiation process.
The reported proposal underscores Ukraine’s dilemma in balancing humanitarian considerations with the pursuit of securing the release of its citizens. South Korea, aligning with its constitutional view that considers North Koreans as its citizens, has reiterated its willingness to accept the two North Korean soldiers should they opt to relocate voluntarily. Ukrainian authorities have also indicated that they do not intend to repatriate the prisoners against their will, though a definitive decision has yet to be reached.
Diplomatic discussions between Seoul and Kyiv have broadened to explore South Korea’s potential involvement in Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction efforts. Ukraine has shown interest in increased South Korean contributions toward rebuilding critical sectors such as infrastructure and energy facilities following the conflict. However, South Korea insists that humanitarian issues concerning prisoners of war should remain distinct from any cooperation on reconstruction or other assistance forms.
The future of the two North Korean soldiers remains uncertain as both governments continue consultations grounded in international law and humanitarian principles. The soldiers were captured in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025, marking the first known instance of North Korean troops being taken alive after their deployment to aid Russia’s military operations. As diplomatic conversations proceed, the situation has evolved into a sensitive matter involving humanitarian duties, prisoner swaps, and broader regional security concerns.