Today at 13:04
South Korea is ready to accept North Korean soldiers captured by the Ukrainian army if they express a desire to come to the South.
This was reported by Yonhap with reference to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Ukrinform reports.
The foreign ministry emphasized that North Korean soldiers are constitutionally citizens of South Korea, and respect for their freedom of will to repatriate is in line with international law and customary practice.
“Accordingly, the government will provide necessary protection and support if they request to come to South Korea, in line with the fundamental principles and relevant laws of accepting all individuals,” the Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry noted that South Korea has conveyed this position to Ukraine and will continue to hold consultations with Kyiv.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that people cannot be forcibly returned to places where they may be persecuted.
As reported by Ukrinform, one of the two DPRK soldiers captured by Ukrainians said that North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation are forbidden by their commanders to surrender. He also said that he had no intention of returning home and would like to go to South Korea to study at a university after his capture.
