Two North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine are expressing grave concerns about their fate should they be sent back to North Korea. The regime's military doctrine forbids the surrender of soldiers, and those who do could face severe repercussions, including torture or execution. One soldier, speaking to a South Korean newspaper, articulated his despair, stating, 'I will not survive (if I go back). All the others have blown themselves up,' highlighting the extreme measures taken by troops to avoid captivity or punishment upon return.

The situation has drawn international attention, with the United Nations urging Ukraine to adhere to international protocols regarding the treatment of prisoners of war. A UN special rapporteur on human rights in North Korea emphasized the risk that these captured soldiers face if returned to their home country, advocating for their protection and non-repatriation to a place where they might be subjected to torture. This request underlines the complex humanitarian issues arising from the conflict and the treatment of foreign soldiers involved in it.

The plight of these North Korean soldiers reflects broader concerns over human rights and military conduct in the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as the complex relationships between North Korea, Ukraine, and the global community. The outcome of these individual cases could influence international perspectives on the treatment of soldiers in conflict, further complicating already strained diplomatic relations in the region.