PPP slams diplomat withdrawal from Ukraine as 'emotional response'

The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) expressed strong disapproval on Wednesday of the Lee Jae Myung administration's decision to remove additional diplomatic staff from Ukraine, branding the action an "emotional response." The foreign ministry disclosed the decision on Tuesday, in the wake of the recall of its ambassador to Ukraine, in the midst of a dispute concerning Kyiv's unilateral announcement that two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) had been transferred to South Korea.

PPP floor leader Jeong Jeom-sig struggled to comprehend the withdrawal, suggesting that the government's foreign policy was veering away from the United States and other allies, and toward a closer relationship with North Korea, China, and Russia. "The government's rationale for the diplomatic personnel's departure is due to the threat of air strikes; however, no one should take that at face value," Jeong stated in a Facebook post.

Given that the conflict in Ukraine has persisted for over four years, Jeong questioned the timing of the withdrawal, which occurred shortly after a dispute erupted over the transfer of North Korean POWs. He urged the public and media to scrutinize the government's motives behind the decision.