South Korea to recall Ukraine envoy in diplomatic row over POWs

South Korea is recalling its ambassador to Ukraine due to a diplomatic dispute over the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. The row began after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the transfer during a UN General Assembly address last month. South Korea claims Ukraine violated a non-disclosure agreement concerning the transfer, a claim Kyiv denies. The North Korean soldiers, captured in early 2025 and deployed to support Russia's war in Ukraine, reportedly wished to resettle in South Korea to avoid persecution. South Korea stated it would accept them as per its policy on North Korean defectors, citing concerns for the soldiers' safety and that of their relatives in North Korea as the reason for the alleged non-disclosure agreement. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope for an amicable resolution and continued consultations with Ukraine.

South Korea is recalling its ambassador to Ukraine following a diplomatic dispute over the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. The issue arose when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the transfer, which South Korea claims violated an agreement to keep it secret. Ukraine's government disputes the existence of such a non-disclosure agreement. The two North Korean soldiers had expressed a desire to be sent to South Korea. South Korea's Vice Foreign Minister lodged a complaint in September, and while the Foreign Minister reportedly received an apology, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry later denied an apology was issued. South Korea stated it expects to resolve outstanding issues through continued consultations.

South Korea announced on Thursday it will recall its ambassador to Ukraine due to an escalating diplomatic dispute. The conflict arose after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed last month that North Korean prisoners of war were transferred to Seoul. South Korea expressed anger, stating this action endangered the families of these prisoners in North Korea. The recall follows a media report alleging the transfer of over 176,000 tonnes of fuel, primarily diesel.

South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it will pursue legal action if allegations of fuel exports to Russia are confirmed. These claims were made by an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who reported substantial fuel shipments from South Korea to Russia via sanctioned tankers in July and August. South Korea's Foreign Ministry has not yet confirmed these reports but noted that commercial diesel and jet fuel exports are not currently on its control list for Russia. The South Korean presidential office dismissed the Ukrainian adviser's statement, urging Ukraine to verify facts before making public remarks that could damage international trust. This situation arises amid recent tensions between Seoul and Kyiv, following South Korea's accusation that Ukraine unilaterally disclosed the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war.