South Korea summons Ukrainian envoy over disclosure of North Korean soldiers’ transfer

Seoul, South Korea. South Korea’s foreign ministry summoned Ukraine’s acting ambassador on Monday to protest Kyiv’s disclosure of the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea. It demanded an official explanation and apology.

Dispute over confidentiality

The ministry said it expressed strong regret to acting ambassador Andrii Vieshkin after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy disclosed the transfer at the United Nations General Assembly. Seoul said the disclosure breached a clear agreement between the two countries to keep the matter confidential.

South Korea also protested what it called a false statement by the Ukrainian presidential office denying that such an agreement existed. First Vice Minister Park Yoon-joo said the denial seriously undermined trust between the governments and could harm their friendly ties. The ministry urged Kyiv to take steps to prevent a recurrence.

South Korean media reported that Kyiv said there had been an understanding that the transfer would be made public. The reports also said Vieshkin told Seoul he had listened carefully to its position and would convey it accurately to his government. Ukrainian authorities were not immediately available for comment.

Transfer disclosed at UN

Zelenskiy told the UN General Assembly last week that Ukraine had recently sent the two soldiers to South Korea after they were captured while fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine. South Korea’s presidential office also demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine on Sunday.

The transfer comes as South Korea has backed efforts to revive dialogue with North Korea and US President Donald Trump has renewed his willingness to engage with Pyongyang.