Ukrainian officials have revealed that Russia has made two requests for the exchange of two North Korean prisoners captured by Ukrainian forces in January 2025. Notably, Moscow has shown little interest in other foreign fighters detained alongside them.
According to Bogdan Okhrimenko, head of the Secretariat of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the negotiation process has been challenging. He stated, “Sometimes we have to persuade the Russians to take back their citizens. This also applies to foreigners who fought for Russia. We have a considerable number of them in custody, yet the Russians have not expressed interest in any of these individuals apart from the North Koreans. They have inquired several times about the possibility of returning the North Koreans specifically.”
When asked about the potential transfer of the North Koreans to South Korea, Okhrimenko noted that this issue is complex. Under international humanitarian law, the responsibility for prisoners of war lies with the country that engaged them in the conflict, which in this case is Russia.
He elaborated, “If diplomats and legal experts can find a mechanism that aligns with these requirements, we are open to considering proposals. Ukraine ratified the Third and Fourth Geneva Conventions, and it is imperative that we adhere to them. Although Russia does not follow these conventions, they could accuse us of violating international humanitarian law and creating a precedent in this matter.”
Okhrimenko also referenced the principle of non-refoulement from the Third Geneva Convention, stating, “If a prisoner of war does not wish to return and no alternative mechanism is available, we will hold them as long as necessary to resolve this issue.”
Ukraine is currently engaged in discussions with Russia regarding the exchange of two North Korean prisoners captured in January 2025. The complexities of international humanitarian law and the lack of interest in other foreign fighters complicate the negotiations.
Source: Укрінформ