Defence
North Korean Soldiers Expelled by Ukraine to South Korea
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced at the United Nations that two North Korean prisoners of war captured in Russia’s Kursk region last January were transferred to South Korea. Initially, Zelensky considered exchanging them for Ukrainian captives, but human rights organizations warned of severe repercussions for the soldiers upon return. One soldier attempted suicide due to fear of execution under leader Kim Jong-un, who reportedly uses troops as bargaining chips. An estimated 14,000 North Korean military personnel are fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine, with thousands already killed. Zelensky condemned the deployment, stating it is irrational for Koreans to die in this conflict while Kim benefits from the arrangement.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's