South Korea has announced that it is willing to accept North Korean troops deployed to support Russia’s war efforts, after a soldier detained by Ukraine reportedly expressed a desire to defect rather than face persecution in the DPRK.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Seoul’s foreign ministry said the ROK government deems North Korean soldiers to be citizens of the South under its constitution, and is thus willing to provide protection and support for those who wish to defect.

“Respecting individual free will regarding repatriation aligns with international law and customary practice,” the ministry said.

“Individuals should not be repatriated