Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed Wednesday that Ukraine recently transferred two North Korean soldiers to South Korea after they were captured while fighting for Russia. He made the disclosure in an address to the United Nations General Assembly, breaching a secrecy agreement with South Korea intended to protect the families of the captured soldiers from reprisal from the North Korean government.

The two soldiers were seized by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region in January 2025. They represent the first known captures of North Korean troops alive since Pyongyang began deploying soldiers to support Russia's war effort in 2024. Zelensky noted the difficulty of taking such prisoners, stating that one attempted suicide upon realizing capture was imminent.

South Korea's government confirmed involvement in the transfer while declining to provide specifics on timing or route. Officials cited the need to protect the soldiers and their families in North Korea. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret that the matter had been made public at all, noting a previous agreement to keep the operation private.

The two soldiers had previously expressed a desire to resettle in South Korea through interviews and communications with North Korean defector organizations. Ukrainian and South Korean authorities handled the case based on the prisoners' wishes, international law, and humanitarian principles.

Critics argue that Zelensky should have respected that agreement and kept the reveal private. The public disclosure now raises the prospect that the soldiers' families in North Korea could face severe punishment or worse as a result of the announcement.

Zelensky used the occasion to criticize North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for sending troops to aid Russia. He questioned why Koreans should die in a conflict against Ukraine and described the soldiers as being used like currency in exchange for Russian support.

Estimates from Ukrainian and South Korean sources indicate North Korea has deployed around 15,000 troops to Russia since 2024, primarily operating in the Kursk area. The transfer highlights ongoing cooperation between Ukraine and South Korea on issues related to North Korean involvement in the conflict.