Prisoners of war from North Korea appeal to South Korea
Two prisoners of war from North Korea, who participated in combat on the side of Russia, have decided that they would like to get to South Korea. This was reported by the publication 'Glavkom', citing Deutsche Welle.
During an interview for a documentary film, which took place in Kyiv, where the prisoners are currently under the supervision of the Ukrainian side, the prisoners of war expressed their desire. This interview was organized by the North Korean human rights organization Gyeore-eol Nation United. According to their data, one of the soldiers had previously made a similar request to a representative of the Parliament of the Republic of Korea back in February.
From the photographs taken during the filming of the movie, it is clear that one of the soldiers has an old wound on his jaw, which led to bone deformation. Hand-drawn portraits of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un were also noticed.
Ukrainian officials report that the prisoners of war are in a psychologically unstable condition and have attempted self-harm. Both soldiers requested eye medicine, knitted items, pants, cigarettes, pens, and books through the film's producer.
North Korean soldiers participated in the war in Donbas
According to estimates from South Korean and Western intelligence services, about 10,000 soldiers from North Korea may be sent to Ukraine in 2024 to support Russian troops. Subordinated to the Moscow military command, North Korean forces have actively participated in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
South Korean intelligence reported that North Korean soldiers are often ordered to commit suicide to avoid capture. In case of injury, they commit self-destruction using grenades.
In September, the South Korean special service reported that about 2,000 North Korean troops sent to assist Russia have died as a result of hostilities in Ukraine.
A spokesman for the North Korean prisoners of war expressed their desire to be transferred to South Korea. The soldiers are in a dire psychological state and have been noticed with signs of self-destruction. The Ukrainian side is meeting their needs and helping to resolve the situation.