Ukraine transfers two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea as Zelensky warns Russian attacks on Europe are 'very high' risk
From the Newshound archive · first published 24 September 2026 · last updated 25 September 2026.
Ukraine has sent two North Korean soldiers, captured fighting for Russia in the Kursk region in January last year, to South Korea, Zelensky revealed in his UN General Assembly address. One of the prisoners tried to kill himself rather than be taken captive, Zelensky told world leaders. Russia launched 161 drones and cruise missiles at Ukraine overnight, killing eight people, as NATO jets scrambled over Poland and Romania.
South Korean opposition lawmaker Yu Yong-weon said the two soldiers had passed through a third country before reaching South Korea, where they landed three to four days ago.
Zelensky told Fox News Digital after meeting Trump that the risk of Russian drone, missile or ground attacks on neighbouring European countries is 'very high'.
Calling Putin 'patient zero' for spreading war globally, Zelensky also warned that AI could begin making battlefield decisions as early as next year.