Ukraine and South Korea discuss repatriation of North Korean POWs
Ukraine is conducting talks with South Korea about the repatriation of prisoners from North Korea, reports the Yonhap agency. What is known about their future?
Ukraine has initiated dialogue with South Korea regarding the repatriation of North Korean soldiers who have been captured 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, the South Korean Foreign Minister, Cho Tae-yul, discussed the situation concerning two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainians with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andriy Sybiha, during a telephone conversation. Earlier, on 9 January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the capture of two North Koreans by Ukrainian forces. It is worth noting, as Mateusz Tomczak, a journalist from Wirtualna Polska, stated, "South Korea has already declared 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 for asylum in South Korea.
Ukrainian drones in combat
It should be noted that during battles with Ukrainians, a significant challenge for the North Korean soldiers supporting Russia is the presence of drones, including modified commercial FPV machines. Unprepared for modern technologies, North Koreans suffer 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 employ a bait tactic. One soldier attracts the drone's attention while others attempt to shoot it down. Despite these efforts, their actions are often chaotic and ineffective, leading to further losses. Meanwhile, Ukrainians adapt their methods, targeting larger groups of opponents.
The Ukrainian terror of Koreans
Changes in tactics by North Koreans include moving in smaller groups and hiding from drones. Nonetheless, their coordination with Russians remains problematic. Ukrainians continue to dominate, thanks to advanced technologies and flexible strategies, making it difficult for their opponents to mount an effective defence.
Drones "Baba Yaga" and FPV are crucial in the Ukrainian strategy. The former, capable of carrying heavy loads, are used for bombings and reconnaissance. FPV drones, though expendable, prove effective in ground attacks. Despite attempts at adaptation, North Koreans still struggle with these threats.