S. Korea says in communication with Ukraine over N.K. POW transfer disclosure

South Korea is engaging in diplomatic discussions with Ukraine regarding the release of two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to Seoul, the country's foreign ministry announced on Thursday. This development follows Ukraine's unilateral disclosure of the transfer, which prompted South Korea to demand an official explanation and apology. Ukraine's presidential office previously stated that there was no agreement in place to keep the matter confidential.

The South Korean foreign ministry official confirmed that diplomatic communication has been established between the two countries to address this sensitive issue. He added that Ukraine is aware of the sensitivity surrounding the matter and anticipates a response from the Ukrainian side. However, no official response has been issued yet, making it premature to speculate on the Ukrainian government's position on the matter.

The two North Korean soldiers captured in January 2025 while fighting for Russia in the Kursk region were transferred to South Korea in mid-September. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed the transfer during a recent address to the U.N. General Assembly. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed disappointment over the disclosure, emphasizing its potential implications for diplomacy, national security, and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula.

According to South Korea's intelligence agency, Ukraine initially requested that the POW transfer be kept secret, and both nations had agreed to maintain confidentiality from the outset of the transfer process. However, Ukraine has contested Seoul's assertion of the non-disclosure arrangement. Foreign media reports suggest that a senior Ukrainian official denied any agreement at the presidential level to keep the transfer private.

Despite this disagreement, Seoul maintains that the matter will not affect other aspects of bilateral cooperation, such as humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and joint postwar reconstruction efforts. The foreign ministry reiterated that this is a humanitarian issue separate from any other precondition or matter.