A diplomatic rift has emerged between Kyiv and Seoul following Ukraine's public disclosure of the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
Key facts
- •Two North Korean soldiers captured in Russia's Kursk region were transferred to South Korea at their request.
- •South Korea's Foreign Ministry summoned the Ukrainian ambassador to demand an explanation and an apology.
- •South Korean President Lee Jae-myung threatened further measures if Ukraine does not apologize for the public disclosure.
- •Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the dispute as a diplomatic misunderstanding rather than an incident.
- •South Korean officials stated the confidentiality agreement was intended to protect the soldiers and their families in North Korea.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sparked a diplomatic dispute after announcing at the UN General Assembly that Ukraine had transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. The soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region in January 2025. South Korea's government subsequently accused Kyiv of violating a confidentiality agreement regarding the transfer, while Ukrainian officials have denied that any such agreement existed.
Conflicting Claims on Confidentiality
South Korean presidential spokesperson Kim Sung-wan stated that Kyiv had requested confidentiality to avoid domestic criticism regarding the potential exchange of prisoners. Seoul claimed it agreed to keep the matter secret to protect the soldiers and their families still living in North Korea. Conversely, Dmytro Lytvyn, a spokesperson for Zelenskyy, denied the existence of any confidentiality pact, asserting that the transfer of prisoners should not be kept secret.
Escalating Tensions and Diplomatic Efforts
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has threatened unspecified measures against Ukraine if Kyiv does not acknowledge the alleged agreement and issue a public apology. Lee also expressed regret over Ukrainian remarks concerning potential military clashes on the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has characterized the situation as a "diplomatic misunderstanding" and indicated that Kyiv is seeking to mend ties. Foreign ministers from both nations have been in contact to discuss a potential resolution that avoids a loss of face for either side.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Deutsche Welle, Taipei Times, ABC News (US).
