Korea to recall ambassador to Ukraine over POW disclosure dispute

South Korea announced on Thursday (Oct 8) that it will recall its ambassador to Ukraine in response to a growing diplomatic dispute over the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. The decision follows tensions that have escalated since Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed the transfer of the captured soldiers, who were taken during early 2022 battles.

This move comes after a report this week alleging that over 176,000 tonnes of fuel, mainly diesel, was shipped from South Korea to Russia in July and August, prompting accusations that Seoul was aiding Russia in alleviating fuel shortages.

The South Korean government stated that it has decided to recall its ambassador to Ukraine, with the foreign ministry releasing a statement about the move. The government expressed hopes that all outstanding issues between the two nations would be resolved amicably and continued consultations with Ukraine to address these concerns.

Seoul summoned Kyiv's ambassador and threatened unspecified additional measures. President Lee Jae Myung demanded an official apology from Ukraine, expressing concerns that the transfer disclosure could jeopardize the families of the POWs. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga referred to the incident as a " diplomatic misunderstanding."