South Korea Recalls Envoy to Ukraine Amid Diplomatic Row Over POW Transfer

A diplomatic rift has emerged between South Korea and Ukraine, culminating in Seoul’s decision to recall its ambassador. The tension stems from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s announcement that his government had transferred two North Korean soldiers to South Korea.

Seoul claims Ukraine violated an agreement to keep this transfer confidential. However, President Zelensky’s office maintains that no non-disclosure agreement was in place. The North Korean soldiers, reportedly among those supporting Russia in the conflict, had expressed a desire to be sent to South Korea.

South Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister had previously lodged a formal complaint with his Ukrainian counterpart. While the South Korean Foreign Minister initially stated he received an apology, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson later denied this, stating no apology was issued.

This diplomatic spat has created friction, with South Korea’s Foreign Ministry expressing its expectation that outstanding issues will be resolved. President Zelensky had revealed the transfer during a UN General Assembly speech, noting the difficulty in capturing the soldiers alive.

The incident has led to domestic criticism in South Korea and has complicated Seoul’s carefully balanced foreign policy, particularly regarding its relationship with Russia and its support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing war. South Korea has provided significant non-lethal aid to Ukraine but has refrained from supplying weapons.

This situation also comes as Russia has warned of retaliation if South Korea provides arms to Ukraine. South Korea has historically sought to maintain good relations with countries that may have differing stances from its ally, the United States, including Russia and China, viewing them as key partners in regional diplomacy.