South Korea to recall its ambassador to Ukraine over North Korean POW dispute

South Korea is recalling its ambassador to Ukraine following a diplomatic dispute regarding the public disclosure of two North Korean soldiers who were captured by Ukraine and transferred to Seoul. The conflict centers on a disagreement over a non-disclosure agreement; South Korea claims Kyiv violated an agreement to keep the transfer secret, while Ukraine denies such an agreement existed. The incident has strained relations at a time when Ukraine is seeking lethal aid from South Korea, which has thus far maintained a policy of providing only non-lethal assistance.

South Korea is recalling its ambassador to Ukraine following a diplomatic dispute regarding the public disclosure of two North Korean soldiers who were captured by Ukraine and transferred to Seoul. The conflict centers on a disagreement over a non-disclosure agreement; South Korea claims Kyiv violated an agreement to keep the transfer secret, while Ukraine denies such an agreement existed. The incident has strained relations at a time when Ukraine is seeking lethal aid from South Korea, which has thus far maintained a policy of providing only non-lethal assistance.