Human rights organisations advocating for North Korean citizens have called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to refrain from repatriating two North Korean soldiers captured while fighting for Russia. The open letter, signed by several prominent civic groups including the Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights (NKHR) and Mulmangcho, follows the recent release of video footage showing the soldiers under interrogation in Ukraine, as reported by Yonhap. 

Earlier this month, President Zelenskiy disclosed that Ukrainian forces had captured two wounded North Korean soldiers in Russia's western Kursk region. In the video, one soldier expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine, prompting human rights groups to raise concerns about the potential consequences of their repatriation. The organisations warned that sending the soldiers back to either Russia or North Korea could expose them to severe punishment, given the brutal retribution faced by North Koreans labelled as "traitors."

The groups argue that repatriating these soldiers would be a violation of international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions, which protect prisoners of war from being returned to situations where they face serious harm. They have urged Zelenskiy to ensure that the identities of the soldiers remain confidential and to provide them with asylum in Ukraine, should they wish to remain.

Furthermore, the letter calls on Zelenskiy to gather evidence of atrocities committed against North Korean soldiers by both Russia and North Korea, potentially laying the groundwork for war crimes or human rights violation charges. This request highlights the ongoing international scrutiny of North Korea's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where reports suggest that North Korean forces have been sent to bolster Russian military operations.

The debate over the fate of these captured soldiers underscores the broader ethical and legal challenges faced by Ukraine in its war with Russia. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains divided on how best to protect the rights of individuals caught in the crossfire of this complex geopolitical conflict.