**Ukraine Ready to Return North Korean POWs**
Ukraine is prepared to send captured North Korean soldiers home if their leader, Kim Jong Un, can negotiate the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky made this announcement on January 12. He said that Ukraine would be willing to return the North Korean soldiers in exchange for the release of Ukrainian POWs held captive by Russian forces.
Zelensky also stated that if some North Korean soldiers do not want to return home, Ukraine may explore other options for them. This could include allowing them to stay in Ukraine or even helping them to spread information about the war back in North Korea.
**Two North Koreans Captured**
Earlier this week, Ukrainian forces captured two wounded North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The soldiers are currently being held by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and are receiving medical attention.
Zelensky has said that he believes there will be more North Korean soldiers captured in the future. He has also stated that Ukraine is ready to take them back home if Kim Jong Un can negotiate an exchange for Ukrainian POWs.
**Background**
North Korea has been providing military support to Russia since the start of the war with Ukraine. However, many North Korean soldiers have suffered casualties and some have even taken their own lives rather than surrender to Ukrainian forces.
The capture of two North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian forces is seen as a significant development in the conflict.