In brief
South Korea has recalled its ambassador to Ukraine following a diplomatic spat that began when Kyiv announced the transfer of two North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia. The Seoul government claims the transfer violated a non‑disclosure agreement, a claim denied by Ukrainian officials. The dispute has strained relations between Seoul and Kyiv and raised concerns over the safety of the soldiers. South Korea is pressing for an apology and further assurances while Ukraine stresses no such agreement existed. The recall comes amid broader security tensions, as Seoul has recently deepened aid to Ukraine and Russia has warned of possible retaliation if lethal weapons are supplied.
South Korea has recalled its ambassador to Ukraine, marking the latest flare in a diplomatic spat over a prisoner‑of‑war issue.
The move follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s revelation at the UN General Assembly that Kyiv had transferred two captured North Korean soldiers, who had been fighting for Russia, to Seoul.
South Korea says the transfer was made without a formal non‑disclosure agreement, a claim Ukraine denies, and Seoul argues that the public announcement damaged trust between the two allies.
Because the soldiers had previously expressed a wish to return to South Korea, Seoul says it is pressing for an apology and further assurances, while Ukraine stresses that no agreement existed.
The recall comes as both nations weigh broader security ties, with Seoul recently announcing a $100 million assistance package for Ukraine and Russia warning it could retaliate if South Korea supplies lethal weapons.
