Ukraine and South Korea face diplomatic tension over North Korean POW transfer

Diplomatic tensions have emerged between Ukraine and South Korea following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s announcement that Ukraine transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. These individuals were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025.

South Korea’s presidential office expressed deep regret over the public disclosure, stating that Ukraine violated a confidentiality agreement intended to protect the soldiers and their families from potential risks. While Seoul maintains that a secrecy agreement existed to ensure the safety of the transfer, Ukrainian presidential sources have denied the existence of such an agreement. South Korean officials noted that the unilateral announcement “seriously undermines” bilateral trust.

Separately, President Zelenskyy reported that over 8,000 North Korean soldiers are currently on Russian territory, with preparations underway to deploy an additional 10,000 troops. Ukrainian and South Korean estimates suggest that North Korea has sent between 14,000 and 15,000 soldiers to support Russia since 2024, primarily stationed in the Kursk region. This military support follows the delivery of millions of rounds of ammunition and ballistic missiles from Pyongyang to Moscow.