Seoul warns 'further action' if Ukraine does not apologise over prisoner-of-war row

Seoul, South Korea's capital, has threatened additional actions against Ukraine if the nation fails to issue a public apology for disclosing the transfer of two North Korean soldiers who were captured fighting alongside Russia against Ukraine. President Lee Jae Myung firmly stated that Seoul would take further measures if Ukraine refuses to acknowledge the facts and make a public apology.

This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed the transfer of the POWs at the United Nations last week. Seoul claims that preserving the confidentiality was crucial in safeguarding the POWs' relatives from potential retaliation by Pyongyang. The South Korean president accused Kyiv of misleading him, stating that the matter pertains to the dignity of the Republic of Korea and its people, and cannot be disregarded.

Analysts suggest that keeping the transfer confidential may have served South Korea's interest, as revealing it could have complicated Ukraine's prisoner exchanges with Russia. However, from a domestic political standpoint in South Korea, the administration's hardline stance could prove challenging, as it contrasts with its generally more conciliatory approach towards North Korea.

The incident involving Ukraine has been treated with extreme caution, while a recent landmine incident that injured South Korean soldiers was handled swiftly by the government.