Seoul said it will recall its ambassador to Ukraine after President Zelensky disclosed the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers. Ukraine says there was no secrecy agreement.
South Korea said on Thursday it will recall its ambassador to Ukraine. The foreign ministry said the decision follows a dispute over Kyiv's disclosure of the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers to Seoul.
Yonhap reported that Seoul has demanded an official explanation and apology for President Volodymyr Zelensky's disclosure, and for a statement from his office denying a confidentiality agreement. The ministry said it hopes the issues will be resolved and that consultations will continue.
The BBC said the row began last month when Zelensky announced the transfer. Seoul says Ukraine broke an agreement to keep it secret. Zelensky's office says there was no non-disclosure agreement. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said earlier this week that an apology from his Ukrainian counterpart fell short of Seoul's expectations, the BBC reported, citing local reports.
Yonhap said the two soldiers were captured in January 2025 while fighting for Russia in the Kursk region and arrived in South Korea in mid-September. Zelensky disclosed the transfer in an address to the U.N. General Assembly. Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said diplomacy should prevail over emotions and that Ukraine remains open to dialogue.
The recall is a diplomatic step, not a break in relations. Neither report said the embassy would close.
People Sentiments Negative
- South Korea's foreign ministry said it decided to recall the ambassador and still wants the issues resolved.
- Heorhii Tykhyi said diplomacy should prevail over emotions and Ukraine remains open to dialogue.