South Korea, Ukraine hold 'constructive' talks on North Korean POWs

South Korea and Ukraine engaged in "constructive discussions" Tuesday about the fate of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region.

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If I am not brought to South Korea, I will end up dying.

The soldiers, who were fighting for Russia, were captured in January of last year. They have since expressed a desire to be sent to South Korea, a move that would effectively constitute defection. North Korea and Russia have demanded their repatriation, but rights groups and experts warn of severe punishment if they are returned to Pyongyang.

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The government will continue to make diplomatic efforts to advance and resolve the issue of the North Korean prisoners of war.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiga met in Seoul to address the matter. A South Korean foreign ministry spokesman stated that the ministers agreed to be guided by "international law and humanitarian principles." The government pledged to continue diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue.

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HERIOIC

Kyiv had previously assured Seoul that the soldiers would not be repatriated against their will. The situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics between North Korea, Russia, and South Korea, with analysts noting deepening cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Ukraine also raised concerns about "shared challenges stemming from the deepening cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang."

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The ministers "engaged in constructive discussions" on the soldiers' future on Tuesday.