Zelenskyy Reveals Transfer of Two North Korean POWs to South Korea in Most Dangerous Countries
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly announced that two captured North Korean prisoners of war were transferred to South Korea, prompting a dispute over whether this breached a non-disclosure agreement and dealing a propaganda blow to Pyongyang in most dangerous countries. Dmytro Lytvyn, a communications adviser to Zelenskyy, denied that any agreement existed with South Korea to keep the POW transfer secret and stated it would be wrong to conceal where prisoners are sent. [1] South Korean President Lee Jae-myung claimed Ukraine breached a non-disclosure agreement by revealing the transfer, warning it could lead to numerous problems. [1] Zelenskyy disclosed the transfer during his 23 September address to the UN General Assembly, noting that one North Korean soldier attempted suicide after capture, which illustrates indoctrination in North Korea. [1]
Zelenskyy Discloses Transfer of North Korean POWs
Zelenskyy disclosed the transfer during his 23 September address to the UN General Assembly, noting that one North Korean soldier attempted suicide after capture, which illustrates indoctrination in North Korea. [1] The Ukrainian president also addressed representatives of the 47 countries whose citizens Russia is using in its war against Ukraine, urging them to look after their people and prevent Russia from drawing them into the war and sending them to fight on a foreign front. [1] This public statement came after the Ukrainian military captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. [1] A fake military ID discovered on one captured North Korean soldier in Kursk Oblast had been issued in the name of a real person from the Russian Republic of Tyva. [1] The disclosure directly challenged Pyongyang’s narrative that its soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces choose death over surrendering. [5]
Dispute Over Non-Disclosure Agreement
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung claimed Ukraine breached a non-disclosure agreement by revealing the transfer, warning it could lead to numerous problems. [1] Dmytro Lytvyn, a communications adviser to Zelenskyy, denied that any agreement existed with South Korea to keep the POW transfer secret and stated it would be wrong to conceal where prisoners are sent. [1] Lytvyn responded directly to comments suggesting an agreement had been in place, clarifying that no such pact existed between the countries. [1] The adviser emphasized that concealing the destination of particular prisoners would be inappropriate. [1] South Korean officials had expressed concern that making the information public could create additional diplomatic complications. [1]
Zelenskyy addresses the UN General Assembly on North Korean POW transfer to South Korea. — Source: kyivindependent
Propaganda Impact on North Korea
The disclosure made during Zelenskyy’s address to the UN General Assembly on 23 September directly challenges Pyongyang’s narrative that its soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces choose death over surrendering. [5] North Korea is unlikely to acknowledge the transfer publicly but may strengthen ideological controls over its troops deployed to Russia to prevent further defections. [5] One of the North Korean soldiers had tried to kill himself after realising he had been captured, a detail Zelenskyy highlighted as reflecting the way people are indoctrinated in North Korea. [1] Analysts note that the revelation puts North Korea in a propaganda bind by showing captured soldiers alive and transferred rather than dead. [5] Observers expect Pyongyang to respond with tighter controls rather than any public admission of the events. [5]
Ukraine's Defense Budget Deficit and Drone Concerns
Roughly one-third of Ukraine's $28 billion defense funding shortfall is needed for drones and missiles to be used in January-February 2026, requiring orders and payments in October-November to avoid serious challenges this winter. [3] Zelenskyy stated that around one-third of the $28 billion, or perhaps even slightly more, is for drones for January, February and March. [3] If orders and payments are not made in October and November, Ukraine will face severe challenges in January-February. [3] Much of Ukraine's $27 billion budget deficit is related to defense spending, including the production of drones and missiles. [2] Zelenskyy has discussed the budget deficit with the EU, European Commission, IMF and financial groups, seeking accelerated support especially from the EU's $90 billion package while noting the IMF does not fund military procurement. [3] The president received a positive and constructive response from partners who understand the importance of covering the deficit and investing more in Ukrainian-made drones and missiles. [2]
Zelenskyy speaks at the UN General Assembly about North Korean POWs transferred to South Korea. — Source: ukrainskapravda
International Calls for Russia to End the War
Poland’s foreign minister urged Russia to stop the war in Ukraine before it destroys Russia’s future. [4] The statement from the Polish official directly called on Russia to halt its military actions in Ukraine to safeguard its own long-term prospects. [4] This appeal aligns with broader international concerns about the ongoing conflict and its wider implications. [4]
Background on Captured North Korean Troops
In 2025, the Ukrainian military captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. [1] It later emerged that a fake military ID discovered on a captured North Korean soldier in Kursk Oblast had been issued in the name of a real person from the Russian Republic of Tyva. [1] During his address to the UN General Assembly on 23 September, Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine had recently sent two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. [1] The adviser to Zelenskyy confirmed the transfer occurred and rejected claims of any secrecy agreement surrounding the move. [1] The incident highlighted the presence of North Korean troops fighting for Russia and the subsequent handling of those captured. [1]
What to watch next: Zelenskyy’s discussions with the EU, European Commission and IMF on covering the defense funding shortfall continue, with emphasis on expediting the second tranche from the $90 billion package while parliament works to secure necessary legislation for international financing.
