Seoul, Kyiv at odds over POWs
Peaceful above the surface, as if nothing had happened, but with tensions constantly brewing underneath. Managing bilateral relations smoothly to prevent a catastrophe is the art of diplomacy. That artistry is lacking in South Korea-Ukraine relations, causing their ties to become strained. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an unexpected announcement about the status of two North Korean…
Seoul and Kyiv are currently at odds over the custody of two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs). The situation escalated following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's unexpected announcement during a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week. Zelenskyy disclosed that the two North Korean soldiers had been sent to South Korea, despite North Korea's criticism of Russia for dispatching troops to its territory.
According to Zelenskyy, one of the POWs attempted suicide upon realizing his capture was inevitable, and was dismayed that fate did not allow him to die. South Korean officials were aware of negotiations to transfer the two men to South Korea, as they had already expressed a willingness to defect to the South. However, the exact timing and circumstances of their arrival in South Korea remain unclear.
The strained relations between Seoul and Kyiv are attributed to the lack of effective diplomatic artistry in managing the bilateral ties, which has led to a tense standoff.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Seoul, Kyiv at odds over POWs koreatimes.co.kr
