South Korea accepts North Korean POWs captured in Ukraine

South Korea announced on Tuesday that it will accept all North Korean prisoners of war captured by Ukraine while fighting for Russia, provided they wish to be transferred. The South Korean Foreign Ministry confirmed the decision, stating it opposes any forced repatriation of the POWs to Russia or North Korea. The ministry has already communicated this position to Ukrainian authorities, according to reports published on 23 June 2026 by the *Kyiv Independent* .

The move follows reports that Ukraine and South Korea are set to hold talks on the issue. South Korea’s readiness to accept the POWs reflects a humanitarian stance, as the ministry emphasized its opposition to coercive transfers that could place the individuals at risk. The decision underscores Seoul’s evolving approach to North Korean defectors and POWs amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Pyongyang has reportedly deployed troops to support Moscow.

The announcement comes as North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, reiterated plans to accelerate the expansion of the country’s nuclear capabilities. In a statement reported on 23 June 2026 by *Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung*, Kim accused the United States and South Korea of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula . The timing of the South Korean decision—amid heightened regional security concerns—adds a layer of geopolitical complexity to the POW issue.

Analysts suggest that Seoul’s willingness to accept the North Korean fighters could serve as a confidence-building measure, potentially opening channels for dialogue with Pyongyang. However, the move also risks provoking Moscow, which has framed the deployment of North Korean troops as a legitimate contribution to its war effort. Ukraine’s role in facilitating the transfers remains a critical factor, with both Kyiv and Seoul seeking to balance humanitarian considerations against broader strategic interests.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry’s statement did not specify a timeline for the transfers but indicated that discussions with Ukrainian officials are underway. The decision marks a significant shift in how Seoul handles North Korean nationals captured abroad, particularly those aligned with Russian forces. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the fate of these POWs may set a precedent for future cases involving foreign fighters from the Korean Peninsula.