September 24, 2026
Ukraine transfers two North Korean POWs to South Korea live: Zelensky confirms move
What we know
- Ukraine has transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Multiple sources, including The New York Times, have reported on the transfer of the prisoners.
- Details about the capture and transfer of the prisoners have not been fully disclosed.
- South Korean authorities have not yet made a public comment on the arrival or status of the transferred individuals.
- International observers involved in the conflict are closely monitoring the situation.
Live updates
Publication times are shown in US Eastern Time and UTC. Event times are stated in the update text when confirmed.
Ukraine Transfers Two North Korean POWs to South Korea
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has handed over two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Zelenskyy condemned North Korea for treating its citizens as 'currency' to support Russia's military efforts in Ukraine. This transfer highlights the complex international dimensions of the conflict and North Korea's involvement, according to the Ukrainian president.
Ukraine Transfers Two North Korean POWs to South Korea, Zelensky Confirms
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukraine has sent two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. This development was reported by multiple sources, including The New York Times. The transfer marks a notable movement of detainees amid the ongoing conflict involving Ukraine and foreign combatants.
The details surrounding the capture and transfer of these prisoners have not been fully disclosed, and South Korean authorities have yet to comment publicly on the arrival or status of the individuals. The situation remains under close observation by international actors monitoring the conflict.
What we’ll be tracking
Why it matters
The transfer of North Korean POWs from Ukraine to South Korea underscores the conflict's complex international involvement, including North Korea's role supporting Russia.
President Zelenskyy's condemnation of North Korea using its citizens as 'currency' highlights concerns about the treatment and exploitation of foreign fighters in the war.
The movement of foreign prisoners of war reflects ongoing shifts and developments in the Ukraine conflict, involving multiple countries beyond the immediate battlefield.







