Ukraine and South Korea discuss repatriation of North Korean POWs
Ukraine is in discussions with South Korea regarding the repatriation of prisoners from North Korea, reports the Yonhap agency. What is known about their future?
Ukraine has started talks with South Korea to discuss the repatriation of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces as prisoners of war. This information was provided by the South Korean agency Yonhap, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul.
According to the agency, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul spoke about the two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainians with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andriy Sybiha, during a phone call. Earlier, on January 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces captured two North Koreans. Moreover, as Mateusz Tomczak, a journalist from WP, reported, "South Korea has already stated that it is ready to accept any North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces who expresses such a wish." The prisoners themselves have expressed a desire to seek asylum in South Korea.
Ukrainian drones in combat
It is worth noting that during battles with Ukrainians, one of the main challenges for North Korean soldiers supporting Russia is drones, including modified commercial FPV machines. Unprepared for modern technologies, the North Koreans face significant losses due to these drones. Ukrainians use drones for precise attacks, forcing their opponents to change tactics.
To counteract the unmanned aerial vehicles, North Koreans use a bait tactic. One soldier attracts the drone's attention while others attempt to shoot it down. Despite their efforts, the approach is often chaotic and ineffective, resulting in further losses. Meanwhile, Ukrainians continue to adapt their strategies, targeting larger groups of opponents.
The Ukrainian terror of Koreans
Changes in tactics among North Koreans include moving in smaller groups and hiding from drones. However, coordination with the Russians remains problematic. Ukrainians maintain dominance thanks to advanced technologies and flexible strategies, making it difficult for opponents to mount an effective defence.
Drones "Baba Yaga" and FPV are crucial in the Ukrainian strategy. The former, capable of carrying heavy loads, is used for bombings and reconnaissance. FPV drones, although expendable, are highly effective in ground target attacks. Despite adaptation attempts, North Koreans continue to struggle with these threats.
