Official announcements from Ukrainian or Russian governments, or verified news reports

Zelensky Proposes Exchange of Captured North Korean Soldiers for Ukrainians Held by Russia

Jan 12, 2025, 06:57 PM

On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine is prepared to return captured North Korean soldiers to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in exchange for Ukrainian soldiers held captive in Russia. Zelensky shared footage of the first interrogations of the North Korean soldiers, who were reportedly the first of their kind captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region. He stated, "Ukraine is ready to hand over Kim Jong Un's soldiers to him if he can organize their exchange for our warriors who are being held captive in Russia." For those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, Zelensky indicated that alternative arrangements could be made.