Seoul says North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine haven't shown desire to defect

South Korea’s spy agency confirmed that two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces have not sought asylum in South Korea, prompting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to offer to return them to North Korea in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war. The soldiers, part of North Korea’s first large-scale conflict since the Korean War, have struggled to adapt to modern warfare tactics and have faced high casualties, with some ordered to commit suicide. South Korea is cautious about facilitating their asylum, citing legal and diplomatic considerations, while also expressing concerns about North Korea gaining combat experience and technology from Russia through their involvement in the Ukraine crisis.

Full Article