South Korea’s foreign minister reaffirmed Seoul’s commitment to protecting and accepting North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine on Monday, amid concerns that legal and political hurdles could lead to their repatriation to the DPRK.

Speaking by phone with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Cho Tae-yul emphasized that the two North Koreans captured in Russia’s Kursk region are considered ROK citizens under South Korea’s constitution, Seoul’s foreign ministry stated in a press release.

Cho added that South Korea would offer full protection and support to the North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) if they wish to resettle in the South,