Zelenskyy Ready to Swap North Korean Soldiers for Ukrainians Detained in Russia

January 13, 2025 TruthUSA

KYIV—Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Sunday that Kyiv is prepared to surrender North Korean soldiers to their leader Kim Jong Un if he can facilitate an exchange for Ukrainians captured in Russia.

“In addition to the initial North Korean soldiers captured, there will inevitably be more. It’s just a matter of time before our troops manage to capture others,” Zelenskyy shared on the social media platform X.

Zelenskyy also mentioned on Saturday that Ukraine had detained two North Koreans in Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first time Ukraine has announced the capture of North Korean soldiers alive since they entered the war nearly three years ago in the autumn.

According to Ukrainian and Western assessments, approximately 11,000 troops from North Korea, a key ally of Russia, have been deployed in the Kursk region to support Moscow’s forces. Russia has not confirmed nor denied their presence.

Zelenskyy reported that both Russian and North Korean forces had incurred substantial losses.

“Ukraine is prepared to return Kim Jong Un’s soldiers to him in exchange for our warriors held captive in Russia,” Zelenskyy emphasized.

A video was posted by Zelenskyy showing the interrogation of two individuals presented as North Korean soldiers. One is lying on a bed with bandaged hands, while the other is sitting with a bandage on his jaw.

One of them, through an interpreter, claimed that he was unaware he was fighting against Ukraine and had been informed he was on a training exercise.

He recounted hiding in a shelter during the offensive and being discovered a couple of days later. He expressed his willingness to return to North Korea if ordered but also stated readiness to remain in Ukraine if given the opportunity.

Reuters was unable to validate the video.

“One of the soldiers expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine, while the other wished to return to Korea,” Zelenskyy confirmed in a televised announcement.

Zelenskyy mentioned that there may be alternatives available for North Korean soldiers who do not wish to go back home, and those interested in contributing to peace by spreading awareness about the war in Korean will be given the chance to do so.

Zelenskyy did not provide specific details.

By Pavel Polityuk

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