▲ This file photo, provided by a civic group on Oct. 31, 2025, shows two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces with their faces blurred at a detention center in Ukraine. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 24 (Yonhap) -- Ukraine has recently sent two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces to South Korea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"Recently, we sent two North Korean prisoners of war to the Republic of Korea," Zelenskyy said during his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday (U.S. time), referring to South Korea by its official name.

Two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in early 2025 after being deployed to Russia's Kursk region in support of Moscow's war against Ukraine. They have reportedly expressed their desire to come to South Korea.

South Korea's foreign ministry said it could not confirm details but noted that it has maintained the position to respect their "free will" and resolve the issue in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.

"It is difficult to confirm whether the individuals have been handled, the timing and route, or the specific details about the consultations between the two countries," a foreign ministry official said, citing the issue of their safety.

The official noted that Seoul has held talks with Ukraine and other relevant countries and agencies based on its "consistent" position.

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