South Korean Intelligence Suggests Zelenskyy's POW Revelation Aimed at Boosting Aid

South Korea's intelligence agency stated Wednesday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent disclosure of a secret transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to the South was likely an effort to build public support in South Korea for greater assistance to Ukraine.

Zelenskyy's revelation during a U.N. speech last week of the transfer of captured soldiers has caused consternation in South Korea, leading Seoul to demand an apology and explanation from Kyiv for what it described as a violation of a non-disclosure agreement. Ukraine has denied that any such agreement existed.

The South Korean National Intelligence Service held a closed-door meeting with a parliamentary committee on the matter. According to lawmaker Yoo Yeong-ha, who attended the session, the committee was informed that Ukraine has not offered an apology or expressed regret through any channels.

The intelligence service assessed that Zelenskyy's disclosure was likely intended to rally public support in South Korea for the supply of weapons and other aid to Ukraine, Yoo said. The specific basis for this assessment was not elaborated upon.

South Korea has provided humanitarian aid and other forms of support to Ukraine but has avoided sending weapons, adhering to its policy of not supplying arms to nations engaged in active conflict.

The North Korean POWs reportedly arrived in South Korea in mid-September and are in good health, according to lawmaker Yun Kun-young, who also attended the meeting. The intelligence agency indicated that the soldiers had expressed a desire to resettle in South Korea while they were in Ukraine.

North Korea has not publicly commented on the transfer. However, Pyongyang has previously alleged that major defections of its citizens were orchestrated by South Korea through abduction or luring.

South Korean officials have expressed concern for the safety of the two soldiers and their relatives in North Korea. Experts have also suggested the transfer could provoke protests from North Korea and potentially hinder efforts to restart talks between Pyongyang and the United States.

Yun also stated that the intelligence agency estimates approximately 9,000 North Korean soldiers were involved in surveillance operations in Russia's Kursk region. He added that while Russia has provided North Korea with weapons technology to support its military modernization, it has been hesitant to transfer advanced technology related to nuclear-powered submarines and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

In a separate assessment provided during the meeting, the intelligence service indicated that the teenage daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has solidified her position as his likely heir. This assessment is based on her attendance at numerous public events and increased ceremonial treatment. According to Yun, the daughter, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae and around 13 years old, has appeared with her father in about 30 public events this year, the highest number since her initial public appearance in late 2022.

Some experts caution that her status as successor is not definitive, citing North Korea's deeply ingrained male-centered power structure. The intelligence service noted that Kim's daughter has been seen projecting a more mature image, wearing women's suits and pointed-toe heels. The agency has previously used artificial intelligence techniques and video analysis to assess Kim Jong Un's health conditions. The agency also stated that Kim Jong Un remains severely obese but shows no other signs of health problems.