The POW row hasn’t stopped Seoul’s $100 million for Ukraine, but the ministers meet without an apology
In Paris, South Korea’s foreign minister told Ukraine’s top diplomat, Andrii Sybiha, that agreements must be kept, and Kyiv’s account of the talks did not mention the prisoners.
On 10 November, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun at the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Paris. Sybiha expressed confidence that "new steps toward full normalization" of relations were ahead, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry. South Korea has allocated $100 million for Ukraine in its proposed 2027 budget, fulfilling President Lee Jae Myung’s pledge in July, reported Korea JoongAng Daily.
The meeting marked the ministers' first face-to-face since Seoul recalled its ambassador in October. The tension stemmed from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's claim on 23 September at the UN General Assembly that Ukraine had handed over two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea. Seoul contends that Kyiv asked for discretion and broke that agreement, demanding an apology in return. Zelenskyy’s adviser Dmytro Lytvyn wrote on Facebook that no such agreement existed.
Cho emphasized the need for mutual respect, trust, and faithful implementation of agreements during his conversation with Sybiha. He hoped all outstanding issues would be resolved smoothly and pledged to continue seeking ways to provide humanitarian aid and support Ukraine's reconstruction. Sybiha proposed maintaining diplomatic efforts to stabilize relations, while Kyunghyang Shinmun interpreted Cho's words as a renewed demand for an apology and steps to prevent a recurrence.
Ukraine's statement did not mention the prisoners. Sybiha highlighted the ministers' discussions on ending the war and valued Cho's views, drawing from Korea's historical experience. He also welcomed Korean businesses participating in Ukraine’s reconstruction and invited Cho to visit Ukraine again. Seoul’s Kyunghyang Shinmun noted that Kyiv's account lacked an apology and pledge to prevent a repeat.
Sybiha stated that the ministers had frank discussions about the recent unpleasant events, according to Interfax-Ukraine. "We deserve an extraordinarily dynamic and high-level relationship with South Korea," Sybiha added.
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