"The Guardian": What awaits North Koreans captured by Ukraine?

Interia cooperates with leading editors in the world. On our weekly FridayWe print the most interesting texts of the most crucial abroad newspapers. Founded in 1821, the British paper The Guardian, from which the following article comes, is 1 of the oldest newspapers in the world. His journalists have repeatedly won the most prestigious journalistic awards, including Pulitzer.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenski He said he was ready to spend two North Korean soldiers captured by Kiev in exchange for a refund Ukrainian POWs in Russia. Nevertheless, the future of 2 injured men, late interrogated in the light of cameras on infirmary beds, is somewhat uncertain.

Speaking up after how National Intelligence Service of South Korea confirmed the information Ukraine on the capture of 2 soldiers – belonging to Russia's fighting North Korean troops estimated at 11,000 people – Zelenski issued an crucial statement.

– For those North Korean soldiers who do not want to return to the country, another options may arise – reported. “In particular, those who express their desire to act for peace – by spreading the fact about this war in Korean – will be given that opportunity,” he added.

Zelenski's entry accompanied recording of interviews with those prisoners. In the film, 1 of the men admitted that he wanted to return to North Koreawhile the second initially said he wanted to stay in Ukraine, then clarified that he would return home “if necessary”.

One of the men, talking to Ukrainian official via translatorHe said he didn't know he was going to fight in The war on Ukraine. As he admitted, his commanders told him that it was “only training‘.

On Monday, a South Korean parliamentarian reported that around 300 North Korean soldiers was killed, and 2700 has suffered injuries since they were deployed in Russia at the end of last year. – Distribution of troops North Korea In Russia increase, including Currant circumference, and estimates propose that losses among North Korean forces They exceeded 3000," he told reporters Lee Seong-kweun after briefing South Korean intelligence.

Much will depend on what North Korean men say To Ukrainians in private – if anything. Leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un For he did not declare publically that his soldiers were fighting alongside Russia under Mutual Defence Agreements agreed with the president of this country Vladimir Putin last June.

On Monday, the government South Korea kept his position cautious. Koo Byoung-sam, spokesperson Ministry of Unity, said the destiny of North Korean POWs “requires international law,comparisons with another legal systems and consultation with related countries."

Informed by representatives interview Mr Lee said that their position was as follows: “In line with our constitutional values, North Korean soldiers are treated as ours Citizens, so the wishes of captured North Korean soldiers are the most important.” So if they want to escape to South Korea, South Korean intelligence representatives will actively consult with Russia and Ukraine.

News of the capture North Korean soldiers ed Seoul speculation on their possible joining tens of thousands of others North Koreanswho fled to South Korea after the war ended in 1950-53. Although the circumstances of their capture—i.e. at the front in a 3rd country—are unprecedented, they theoretically have the right to the same treatment as any another North Korean who wishes to make it south.

Under the Constitution South Korea ‘territory Republic of Korea consists of Korean Peninsula and adjacent to it islands“which means that the country legally recognises all citizens North Korea To his citizens. Seoul never officially recognized North Korea as a sovereign state, but alternatively sees it as a territory under an illegal regime. This position means that South Korea has Legal work to defend citizens North of demilitarized zones and receiving refugees, including soldiers.

Arrival to North Korea Two soldiers whose faces have already seen the full planet – in addition, consecutive from war, to a direct participation in which Kim's government is not admitted – may put men and their families in danger. The authorities will effort to warrant their silence. They may besides be interviewed Why they most likely didn't order Blow yourself up to avoid capture.

– It is worth noting that notes found on dead soldiers indicate that authorities North Korea pressured them to commit suicide or self-detonation before capture," Lee mentioned.

Ethan Hee-Seok Shin, legal analyst from Transitional Justice Working Group (a Seoul-based non-governmental organization) acknowledged that “it is unclear whether North Korea In general, he considers 2 captured soldiers his own, given his refusal Moscow and Pyongyang authoritative admission that forces North Korea were deployed in Russia. – At the same time Russia could recognise them as its own and pass on North Korea after they were exchanged with Ukrainian POWs - He said.

If the president Zelenski He wants to avoid being convicted. North Korean men For possible imprisonment, torture, and even death in his country, he has another options.

– Repatriation North Korean soldiers against their own will – despite the well-known hazard of being punished as "traitors" by a totalitarian dictatorship – is contrary to the rule of humanitarianism, as well as transmission Ukraine about the defence fight Freedom and democracy explained Shin. "The global community should call on Ukraine to guarantee that North Korean soldiers will not be repatriated against their own will," he stressed.

South Korea She could make quite a few money at the party. North Korean soldiers. The military could deliver intelligence information on the nature of North Korea's engagement in War in Ukraine. Their transformation with elite soldiers serving the Kim dynasty in a free and democratic country would besides be a strong propaganda argument in the hands of Seoul.

Unlike refugees, who long plan their escape, it is improbable that 2 demoralized Young Soldiers captured in Ukraine they have always considered surviving among their “enemies” south of the border. But in the current situation, a fresh life in South Korea may be their best chance of survival.

Written by Justin McCurry, Raphael Rashid

== sync, corrected by elderman ==

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