South Korea said it will recall its ambassador to Ukraine after President Zelensky disclosed the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers and Kyiv denied any secrecy deal.
South Korea will recall its ambassador to Ukraine, the foreign ministry said on Thursday, after a dispute over Kyiv's disclosure that two captured North Korean soldiers had been transferred to Seoul. Yonhap reported the decision from a ministry statement.
Seoul has asked for an official explanation and an apology over President Volodymyr Zelensky's disclosure, and over a statement from his office denying that the transfer had been covered by a confidentiality agreement. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Tuesday that a message from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha included an apology but fell short of Seoul's expectations.
The BBC reported that the row began last month when Zelensky announced the transfer. The two soldiers were among North Korean troops supporting Russia in the war in Ukraine and had told local media they wanted to go to South Korea. Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo lodged a formal complaint in September.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said on Thursday that diplomacy should prevail over emotions. He said Ukraine remained open to restoring a constructive dialogue even if it takes time, despite the recall.
The ministry said it hoped the issues would be resolved smoothly and that consultations would continue. The recall is a diplomatic step. It is not a break in relations.
People Sentiments Negative
- Heorhii Tykhyi said diplomacy should prevail over emotions and that Ukraine remained open to dialogue.
- Cho Hyun said an apology from Kyiv fell short of Seoul's expectations.