Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week revealed at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly that his country had handed over two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, stating they were individuals "not easily captured alive" while fighting in Russia's Kursk province.

Hours after Zelensky's statement, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed dissatisfaction, as Seoul considered it important to keep information about the handover of the two prisoners confidential. On 28/9, South Korea summoned Ukraine's diplomatic representative to express "deep concern" over Kiev's public disclosure of this information.

South Korean lawmaker Yoo Yeong-ha stated on 30/9 that the country's intelligence agency believes Ukrainian President Zelensky might have decided to publicize the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war in the hope that such a move would generate South Korean public support for providing weapons and other forms of assistance to Kiev.

Lawmaker Youn Kun-young, meanwhile, said the two prisoners arrived in South Korea in mid-September, adding that their health status was "generally good and without any concerning issues."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on 23/9. *AP*.

Lawmaker Youn also cited information from the South Korean intelligence agency, confirming that "the desire of these two individuals to come to South Korea was confirmed multiple times."

According to the South Korean Constitution, all North Koreans are considered South Korean citizens. Officials stated that this also applies to North Korean soldiers captured in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These soldiers were deployed by North Korea to Russia to assist in defending Kursk province against a Ukrainian offensive in late 2024.

According to lawmaker Yoo, there was no agreement between South Korean and Ukrainian leaders to keep the prisoner handover information confidential, but diplomatic officials from both sides had agreed to maintain secrecy during their exchanges.

"From the very beginning of discussions, the Ukrainian side proactively requested absolute secrecy, due to concerns about the potential impact on future prisoner exchanges with Russia," he added.

North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces during fighting in Russia's Kursk province in 1/2025. *Kyiv Independent*.

The South Korean intelligence agency expressed regret over the incident and requested an explanation and apology from the Ukrainian government, but Kiev has not yet done so.

South Korea has not provided lethal weapons to Ukraine, as the country has regulations prohibiting military aid to nations at war. However, the South Korean government is considering Ukraine's request for defensive weapons, especially after North Korea deployed troops to support Russia in Kursk province.