Ukraine transfers two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday at the UN General Assembly that Ukraine has transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. These soldiers were captured in Russia's Kursk region in January last year, marking the first North Korean soldiers apprehended alive since North Korea's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2024. Zelensky had previously offered to exchange them for Ukrainian captives held by Russia, but human rights groups advocated for their repatriation to South Korea due to potential risks. South Korean media indicated the soldiers desired to defect. Zelensky also criticized North Korea for deploying its troops to fight for Russia, stating, "Why should Koreans give their lives in a war against Ukraine? Kim Jong Un uses them like currency." Estimates suggest North Korea has sent 14,000-15,000 soldiers and supplied significant military aid to Russia.