2 N. Korean POWs arrive in S. Korea after 20 months of captivity in Ukraine

The Korea Times - Sep 24, 2026

Two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces nearly 20 months ago have arrived safely in South Korea, the president of Ukraine and an opposition lawmaker said Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the disclosure during a speech at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, Wednesday (local time). “Recently, we sent two North Korean prisoners of war to the Republic of Korea,” Zelenskyy said. Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) also confirmed the transfer that had remained in secrecy over concerns for the safety of the prisoners and their families. “The two people arrived safely in Korea a few days ago,” Yu said during a press conference at the National Assembly. He has repeatedly raised the issue of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) captured in Ukraine. The two soldiers are now expected to receive protection under South Korean laws concerning North Korean defectors. Their health is reportedly stable. The National Intelligence Service is expected to conduct questioning and investigations over several weeks or months before det

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