South Korea's intelligence agency reports that North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine have not expressed any intention to defect.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported Monday that two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting alongside Russian troops near Russia’s Kursk border region have not expressed any intention to seek asylum in South Korea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on the social media platform X that he is open to handing over the soldiers to North Korea if its leader, Kim Jong Un, agrees to exchange them for Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia. Zelenskyy also suggested alternative options for North Korean soldiers unwilling to return home, with a government-released video indicating that at least one soldier has expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine.

During a closed-door briefing at South Korea’s National Assembly, the NIS confirmed its involvement in the questioning of the captured soldiers by Ukrainian authorities. According to lawmakers present at the meeting, the agency noted that the soldiers have not requested resettlement in South Korea. However, the NIS indicated it is willing to consult with Ukrainian authorities if the soldiers decide to pursue asylum. Since the late 1990s, around 34,000 North Koreans have defected to South Korea, seeking relief from economic hardship and political repression.

Koo Byoungsam, spokesperson for South Korea’s Unification Ministry, emphasized that facilitating the soldiers' asylum would require legal and international consultations. “There’s nothing we can say at the current stage,” Koo remarked.

The NIS estimates that approximately 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed and another 2,700 injured in the conflict with Ukraine, marking North Korea’s first large-scale military involvement since the Korean War (1950-1953). The agency assessed that North Korean forces are struggling to adapt to modern warfare, including drone technology, and are further disadvantaged by the crude tactics of their Russian commanders, who have reportedly deployed them in assault operations without adequate support.

Lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun reported that memos recovered from deceased North Korean soldiers included orders to commit suicide rather than face capture. In one incident, a soldier shouted “General Kim Jong Un” and attempted to detonate a grenade before being killed by Ukrainian forces.

Zelenskyy confirmed the capture of the North Korean soldiers on Saturday, following Ukraine’s recent efforts to retain control of territory seized during a lightning incursion in the Kursk region in August. This marked the first occupation of Russian territory since World War II. However, Moscow’s counteroffensive has inflicted significant losses on Ukrainian forces, regaining over 40% of the 984 square kilometers (380 square miles) of Kursk territory initially captured by Ukraine.

Moon Seong Mook, a retired South Korean brigadier general, attributed the high casualties among North Korean soldiers to inadequate preparation for the unfamiliar terrain of Kursk, which contrasts with North Korea’s mountainous landscape. He added that language barriers and lack of independent operations under Russian command may further complicate their combat effectiveness.

North Korean troops may also face surveillance by special units tasked with detaining or executing potential deserters, Moon noted.

“The battlefield environment, with drones and advanced technology, presents challenges North Korean soldiers have never encountered before,” Moon explained. “Deployed in open fields with limited cover, they are exposed to continuous battles, leading to significant casualties.”

Moon also highlighted the impact of North Korea’s long-standing economic struggles, which have hindered military training quality, as soldiers often engage in farming or construction work to support the country’s economy.

Despite these challenges, concerns persist in Seoul that North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict could bolster its military capabilities. South Korean officials worry that combat experience gained in Ukraine and potential Russian technology transfers could strengthen North Korea’s nuclear-armed forces.