Ukraine transfers two North Korean POWs to South Korea
Ukraine transferred two North Korean soldiers captured in Russia’s Kursk region to South Korea, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at the UN. A South Korean lawmaker said they had arrived several days earlier, while the government withheld official confirmation over safety concerns.
By DoomRadar · Published on DoomRadar . Updated .
Event date: Zelenskyy announced the transfer on September 23, 2026; the soldiers were captured in January 2025. [3][1]
What happened
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly said Ukraine had sent two North Korean prisoners of war to the Republic of Korea. [1][2]
References for this detail (2)
- Two North Korean POWs arrived in South Korea 'several days ago', says lawmaker – Asia News Networkasianews.network · Recorded source date: Sep 25, 2026, 2:31 AM UTC
- NORTH KOREAN POWS: Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Transferred Two Captured Soldiers To South Koreatheyeshivaworld.com · Recorded source date: Sep 25, 2026, 8:47 AM UTC
The soldiers were captured alive by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025 after North Korea dispatched troops to fight alongside Russian forces. [1][2]
References for this detail (2)
- Two North Korean POWs arrived in South Korea 'several days ago', says lawmaker – Asia News Networkasianews.network · Recorded source date: Sep 25, 2026, 2:31 AM UTC
- NORTH KOREAN POWS: Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Transferred Two Captured Soldiers To South Koreatheyeshivaworld.com · Recorded source date: Sep 25, 2026, 8:47 AM UTC
A South Korean lawmaker said the two soldiers had entered South Korea several days before his statement, while an Assembly official placed the arrival three or four days earlier. [1]
References for this detail (1)
- Two North Korean POWs arrived in South Korea 'several days ago', says lawmaker – Asia News Networkasianews.network · Recorded source date: Sep 25, 2026, 2:31 AM UTC
South Korean authorities cited the safety of the soldiers and their families when declining to confirm operational details. [1][3]
References for this detail (2)
- Two North Korean POWs arrived in South Korea 'several days ago', says lawmaker – Asia News Networkasianews.network · Recorded source date: Sep 25, 2026, 2:31 AM UTC
- Ukraine transfers two North Korean POWs to South Korea, Zelensky confirms at UN – NaturalNews.comnaturalnews.com · Recorded source date: Sep 25, 2026, 8:01 AM UTC
Context from the sources
The transfer follows months of reported coordination between Kyiv and Seoul over the soldiers’ requested destination. [1][3]
The case is linked to North Korea’s military support for Russia’s war effort; the sources describe thousands of North Korean troops as having been sent to fight alongside Russian forces. [1][2]
Explore the sources and reporting timeline
3 source links · 3 domains
These counts describe the references, not independent confirmations. Different outlets can repeat the same original report.
Source timeline
Oldest to newest among the available source dates, not a chronology of the incident. Article publication dates come from the source; other recorded dates may reflect when a link was found.
- [1] Two North Korean POWs arrived in South Korea 'several days ago', says lawmaker – Asia News Networkasianews.networkReferenced for: detail 1, detail 2, detail 3, detail 4
- [3] Ukraine transfers two North Korean POWs to South Korea, Zelensky confirms at UN – NaturalNews.comnaturalnews.comReferenced for: detail 4
- [2] NORTH KOREAN POWS: Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Transferred Two Captured Soldiers To South Koreatheyeshivaworld.comReferenced for: detail 1, detail 2
What this could mean for you
Additional scrutiny or pressure around the soldiers and their families
Their transfer away from North Korea creates sensitive security and diplomatic concerns, while authorities are withholding details to protect them.
Reported basis: [1][3] · The possible effect is interpretation.
Depends on: The soldiers’ identities, statements or family circumstances become publicly exposed.
Greater international attention to North Korean involvement in the war
The public transfer highlights the presence of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces.
Reported basis: [1][2] · The possible effect is interpretation.
Depends on: The case prompts further disclosures or disputes over North Korean military support.
Possible consequences, not a forecast. Their relevance depends on your location and the conditions above.
For your country
Choose a country to check how this event could affect you.
What changes the outlook
Risk increases if…
Authorities disclose details that could expose the soldiers or their families to retaliation.
The transfer triggers a formal dispute over the soldiers’ status or treatment.
Pressure eases if…
South Korea formally confirms the arrival and provides a secure legal and protective framework for the soldiers.
Still unclear
The South Korean government has not officially confirmed the soldiers’ arrival or disclosed their current status.
The excerpts do not establish the legal arrangements governing the transfer or whether North Korea has formally responded.
Market implications
Market impact
Sources (3)
References for the reported details. Separate links do not necessarily mean independent confirmation.
Available excerpt
SEOUL – Two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces arrived safely in South Korea a few days ago, an opposition lawmaker said Thursday, after…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
Available excerpt
Ukraine has transferred two North Korean soldiers captured while fighting alongside Russian forces to South Korea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed during his address to…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
Available excerpt
Ukraine sent two North Korean prisoners of war captured in Russia's Kursk region to South Korea, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced at the UN General Assembly.…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
AI-assisted analysis · . Based on linked headlines and available excerpts. Methodology · Report an error.