South Korea demands Ukraine apology over prisoners

South Korea demanded an apology and explanation from Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed at the UN that two captured North Korean soldiers had been transferred to Seoul. Seoul says both governments agreed to keep the transfer confidential, while Kyiv denies that any such agreement existed. South Korea summoned Ukraine’s ambassador to protest.

• 2 prisonerstransferred from Ukraine to Seoul
• Early 2025when the soldiers were captured

Q1

Why did Seoul want secrecy?

South Korea cited security risks for the prisoners and their relatives in North Korea as the reason for confidentiality.

Q2

What concern did Kyiv have?

A South Korean presidential adviser stated that Kyiv feared domestic criticism over losing a possible exchange for Ukrainian prisoners.

Q3

Could the dispute affect cooperation?

The dispute risks complicating Kyiv’s pursuit of South Korean weapons support and has strained trust between the two governments.

Q4

What has Seoul signalled next?

Seoul stated it is considering additional measures, but did not specify them or give Ukraine a deadline.