Not a bargaining chip: Ukraine's ambassador on captured North Korean soldiers.

Ukraine does not view the issue of North Korean soldiers as a bargaining chip, ambassador says

The Ambassador of Ukraine to South Korea, Dmytro Ponomarenko, stated that Ukraine does not view the issue of North Korean soldiers held by its military as a subject of exchange, but rather as a matter of humanitarian principles and international law.

According to Yonhap news agency, Ukraine and South Korea are discussing steps regarding soldiers who remained on Ukrainian territory after the withdrawal of the Defense Forces this year.

'Ukraine does not view this issue as a bargaining chip, but as a matter that needs to be resolved based on international law and humanitarian principles,' said Ponomarenko.

The ambassador dismissed questions about progress in negotiations regarding the soldiers with South Korea, stating that it is too early to talk about timelines.

'Any decision regarding the future of the soldiers will be made in accordance with international law, individual rights, and within the dialogue between the interested parties,' he added.

South Korea has expressed its readiness to provide protection and assistance to the soldiers if they decide to come south, as they are citizens of the country according to their Constitution.

'We take all official appeals and signals from North Korea regarding the fate of their servicemen seriously, and we consider the concerns of South Korea,' said Ponomarenko.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, Cho Tae-yul, also supported the position regarding the soldiers during his phone call with Ukrainian diplomat Andriy Sybiga.

Ponomarenko noted that North Korea has likely demanded military technologies or strategic support from Moscow in exchange for its assistance to Russia.

He emphasized that South Korea must understand the long-term consequences of North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine-Russia war.

'Leaders of South Korea should remember that Pyongyang is using Ukrainian land to test its weapons, which could be used in a future potential confrontation on the Korean Peninsula,' said Ponomarenko.

He added that the development of full-scale military-technical cooperation with Ukraine is a common interest for Kyiv and Seoul.

South Korea has been providing humanitarian support to Ukraine since the beginning of the war, including non-lethal assistance.

'North Korea's involvement in the war enhances its military capabilities and provides additional combat experience... allowing Pyongyang to test and improve its missile technologies on the battlefield,' he stressed.

'This development is not only alarming for Ukraine and Europe but also for East Asia,' he added.