North Korean Soldiers Held in Ukraine Excluded from Russia-Ukraine POW Exchange
May 28
1 min read
News Summary
Two North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine were not included in the recent prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, according to South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-weon.
Yu stated that South Korea requested their exclusion, as one of the soldiers, Ri, has expressed a desire to defect to the South and fears for his family's safety if repatriated.
The lawmaker met the soldiers in February and confirmed Ri's intent to seek asylum in South Korea.
Commentary
This news raises the very real possibility of a North Korean soldier defecting to South Korea—a development with far-reaching consequences.
If Ri successfully arrives in the South, it will have a tremendous effect on North Korean human rights issues, providing powerful testimony that could resonate globally.
More importantly, his defection will send shockwaves inside North Korea itself—especially within the military—at a time when the Kim regime is desperately trying to contain internal unrest over its controversial troop deployment to Russia.
Ri’s presence in the South could exacerbate the regime’s internal crisis and accelerate its ongoing unraveling.
