Ukraine — In a bold diplomatic move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a prisoner exchange involving North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces in recent months, suggesting that these soldiers be traded for Ukrainian military personnel currently held by Russia. The proposal, made in a speech earlier today, seeks to leverage the ongoing international tension surrounding North Korea to facilitate a humanitarian exchange amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
A frame from a video posted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday, January 12, allegedly shows a North Korean prisoner of war being interrogated.
“We are ready to negotiate for the safe return of our soldiers. If North Korean soldiers can be freed, we will ensure that Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia are brought home as well,” Zelensky stated. “This is not just a matter of military strategy, but of humanity.”
The offer comes in the wake of several reports confirming that North Korean soldiers, along with equipment and supplies, have been captured by Ukrainian forces during ongoing confrontations along the frontlines. While the exact number remains unclear, Ukrainian officials confirmed that they have in custody a number of North Korean soldiers who reportedly crossed into Ukrainian territory, likely to assist Russian forces.
The proposal has already drawn significant attention from both Russia and the international community. Kremlin officials have yet to respond publicly to Zelensky’s offer, though experts speculate that it may serve as a means to pressure Russia into releasing more Ukrainian prisoners of war.
The presence of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces has raised alarm in both Ukraine and the West. Experts believe the move may signal increased military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly as both countries face international sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has long expressed support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and analysts suggest that this new military involvement could deepen the relationship between the two nations. While the North Korean government has not officially confirmed the deployment of its soldiers to Ukraine, the situation has prompted global concerns about the widening scope of the conflict.
The United Nations has called for both sides to prioritize the protection and humane treatment of prisoners of war. Despite the ongoing conflict, there are calls from international organizations to facilitate such exchanges as a step toward easing some of the human suffering caused by the war.
Zelensky’s proposal has also sparked a range of reactions in Ukraine. Some view it as a strategic move to pressure Russia and North Korea, while others remain wary of any potential diplomatic consequences, particularly regarding the already delicate balance of power in the region.
“This is an opportunity to show that diplomacy can still find a way in times of war, even if it’s not perfect,” said Oksana Syroid, a former Ukrainian lawmaker. “If it helps bring our soldiers back, we must consider it carefully.”
The next steps will depend on negotiations with North Korean officials and, crucially, the response from Russia. The world waits to see if the proposed exchange will be accepted and whether it could set a new precedent for the handling of prisoners of war in this ongoing conflict.
