Ukraine is ready to negotiate with South Korea on the possible transfer of two North Korean soldiers. This was stated by the Ambassador of Ukraine to South Korea Dmitry Ponomarenko in an interview with The Korean Times.
Kyiv and Seoul have not officially discuss the issues of transfer of prisoners. However, if the DPRK is refusing to return home because of life, Ukraine is ready to consider cooperation with international partners, including South Korea.
"We are open to dialogue for their transfer to third countries," Ponomarenko stressed.
If the prisoners are desired to return to the DPRK, Ukraine will be obliged to carry out their repatriation in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.
Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the North Koreans could be exchanged for Ukrainian military held by Russia. However, Moscow and Pyongyang are not officially recognized by the participation of the DPRK soldiers in the war, which complicates the implementation of such a scenario.
Ponomarenko stressed that the issue of exchange is extremely delicate and needs a cautious approach.
The ambassador did not confirm whether contacts between Kyiv and Pyongyang had occurred regarding the possible exchange of prisoners. At the same time, he noted that Ukraine will continue consultations with international partners to resolve the situation.
