Lee says Ukraine disclosed transfer of 2 N.K. soldiers in breach of non-disclosure agreement

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed disappointment on Thursday that Ukraine had disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, alleging it violated a non-disclosure agreement. This disclosure came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the transfer in his address to the UN General Assembly in New York.

Ukrainian officials confirmed the transfer was facilitated through direct talks with Seoul. President Lee acknowledged the reasons behind the disclosure remained unknown, but regretted the move. He emphasized the sensitivity of the issue, highlighting its potential profound impact on diplomacy, national security, and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea and Ukraine had previously agreed to a confidential transfer due to the anticipated difficulties if the disclosure were made public. Lee also addressed opposition criticism regarding the confidentiality agreement, stating that it would be "cruel and irresponsible" to expose the transfer, regardless of its effects on inter-Korean relations or national interests.

The president expressed the hope that wars, which cause the loss of innocent lives, would cease as soon as possible. The two North Korean soldiers were taken captive by Ukrainian forces in January 2025 after being deployed to Russia's Kursk region, alongside thousands of other North Korean troops supporting Moscow's war against Ukraine.

They had previously expressed their wish to move to South Korea, and discussions between South Korea and Ukraine were ongoing regarding their transfer.