How Ukraine angered South Korea — and why it matters
Ukraine just angered another partner — one sitting on an arsenal of weapons that Kyiv wants. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Sept. 23 announcement at the U.N. General Assembly that Ukraine’s two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) were sent to South Korea was not well received in Seoul. "It was appropriate in every aspect not to disclose, considering the many problems it may cause when disclosed,…
Ukraine recently caused dissatisfaction among its allies, specifically South Korea, by revealing the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to Seoul. President Volodymyr Zelensky made the announcement at the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, arguing that the disclosure was necessary to respect the prisoners' wishes for a possible defection to South Korea.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung responded by stating that Ukraine had violated a non-disclosure agreement in its dealings regarding the POWs. Seoul immediately took action by summoning Ukraine's envoy to lodge a formal protest, warning that disclosing sensitive information about the POWs transfer could pose security and diplomatic risks.
The situation adds to a series of diplomatic disputes between Ukraine and its international partners, including South Korea, amid the ongoing Russian invasion.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
