Seoul – President Lee Jae‑Myung warned Ukraine on Friday that South Korea could take “additional measures” unless Kyiv publicly acknowledges a confidentiality pact concerning the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers and apologises for remarks that he said encouraged war on the Korean Peninsula.
Background of the dispute
The row began after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told the United Nations General Assembly that Ukraine had handed two North Korean prisoners of war, captured while fighting for Russia, to South Korea. Seoul immediately claimed the transfer was covered by a secret agreement designed to protect the soldiers, while Ukrainian officials denied any such pact existed.
Lee’s response on social media
In a post on X, President Lee wrote, “If the refusal to acknowledge the facts and issue a public apology continues, we will take additional measures.” He also expressed “grave regret” over Ukrainian comments that he said amounted to encouraging a military clash between North and South Korea.
Ukraine seeks to smooth relations
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told reporters the incident was a “diplomatic misunderstanding” and that Kyiv hoped to mend ties with Seoul. He emphasized that Ukraine values its partnership with South Korea, which has provided humanitarian, financial and reconstruction aid since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Potential consequences
Cho Han‑bum, a senior fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said any further steps by Lee would likely target the support South Korea already gives Ukraine, including humanitarian aid and financial assistance. “Ukraine has more to lose than South Korea because it is receiving support from Seoul,” Cho warned.
South Korea pledged an extra $100 million in non‑lethal aid to Ukraine in July, underscoring the depth of the partnership. However, Cho noted that a prolonged confrontation benefits neither side, especially as Seoul relies on Ukrainian intelligence about North Korean military activities.
Domestic context
The dispute emerges as Lee’s administration works to reduce tensions with North Korea while coping with domestic fallout from a recent land‑mine incident in the Demilitarized Zone. Critics at home have called for a firmer stance on North Korean provocations, while Lee’s team continues to balance diplomatic engagement with security concerns.
Both governments appear keen to avoid escalation. Kyiv’s diplomatic outreach and Seoul’s firm warning illustrate the delicate balance of international alliances in a region already fraught with security challenges.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
