Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said forced transfers to either Russia or North Korea would be unacceptable. Ukraine currently holds two North Korean soldiers captured in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025. Both have indicated they want to go to South Korea. North Korea is estimated to have sent up to 15,000 troops, alongside ammunition, to support Russia’s war against Ukraine. Russia and North Korea signed a strategic partnership treaty in June 2024 that includes a mutual defense clause. South Korean and Ukrainian foreign ministers are due to meet in Seoul on June 30, where POW transfers and military cooperation are expected to be discussed.