---
title: "Zelenskiy says he's ready to exchange N. Korean soldiers for Ukrainians held in Russia"
description: "KYIV, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday Kyiv is ready to hand over North Korean soldiers to their leader Kim Jong Un if he can organize their exchange for Ukrainians held captive in Russia."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-12-zelenskiy-says-hes-ready-to-exchange-n-korean-soldiers-for-ukrainians-held-in-russia/"
published: "2025-01-12T21:22:39"
updated: "2025-01-12T21:22:41"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 206
---

# Zelenskiy says he's ready to exchange N. Korean soldiers for Ukrainians held in Russia

> KYIV, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday Kyiv is ready to hand over North Korean soldiers to their leader Kim Jong Un if he can organize their exchange for Ukrainians held captive in Russia.

By Reuters · Published 12 January 2025, 23:22 SAST · Updated 12 January 2025, 23:22 SAST

## Key points
- In a twist that could make for a gripping Netflix series, Zelenskiy announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers, hinting that more might follow, and offered a tantalizing exchange: Kim Jong Un can have his troops back if he’s willing to trade for Ukrainian warriors, or perhaps even let them spread the truth about the war—because who doesn’t love a little diplomacy with a side of propaganda?
- Zelenskiy announces the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region, marking a significant first for Ukraine.
- He predicts more captures are imminent as Ukrainian troops continue their operations.
- Ukrainian assessments indicate around 11,000 North Korean troops are supporting Russian forces, though Russia remains silent on their presence.
- Zelenskiy offers to exchange the captured soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners and suggests alternative options for those wishing to promote peace.

## Content

"In addition to the first captured soldiers from North Korea, there will undoubtedly be more. It's only a matter of time before our troops manage to capture others," Zelenskiy said on the social media platform X.

Zelenskiy said on Saturday that Ukraine [had captured](https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AL1N3O101P&linkedFromStory=true) two North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region, the first time Ukraine has announced the capture of North Korean soldiers alive since their entry into the war last autumn.

Ukrainian and Western assessments say that some 11,000 troops from Russia's ally North Korea have been deployed in the Kursk region to support Moscow's forces. Russia has neither confirmed nor denied their presence.

Zelenskiy has said Russian and North Korean forces had suffered heavy losses.

"Ukraine is ready to hand over Kim Jong Un's soldiers to him if he can organise their exchange for our warriors who are being held captive in Russia," Zelenskiy said.

He added that for those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, there may be other options available and "those who express a desire to bring peace closer by spreading the truth about this war in the Korean (language) will be given that opportunity."

Zelenskiy provided no specific details.

(Reporting by Pavel PolityukEditing by Ros Russell)