South Korea says Zelenskyy's revelation of a secret POW transfer was likely a play for more support

Live updates

1. 54m ago

   South Korea Accuses Ukraine of Violating Secrecy Pact Over NK POWs

   South Korea is demanding an official apology from Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed the secret transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. South Korea's spy agency claims Zelenskyy unilaterally revealed the transfer to gain public support and arms for Ukraine. Seoul has summoned the Ukrainian envoy and accuses Kyiv of violating a secrecy pact regarding North Korean soldiers. While a Ukrainian minister has expressed hope to resolve the misunderstanding, relations between the two nations have soured over the breach of the confidential agreement.

   Why it matters

   The dispute centers on a humanitarian transfer of captured North Korean soldiers. This diplomatic row complicates security cooperation as both nations manage the presence of North Korean forces in the conflict.

   What is confirmed

   • South Korea demanded an official apology from Ukraine regarding the disclosure of a North Korean POW transfer.
   • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
   • South Korea summoned the Ukrainian envoy over the prisoner-of-war dispute.
   • South Korea's spy agency stated the disclosure was likely intended to win public support for Ukraine.
   • Seoul accuses Ukraine of violating a secrecy pact concerning North Korean soldiers.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A South Korean lawmaker stated that no military aid pledge was made to Ukraine in exchange for the transfer of the North Koreans.
   • A Ukrainian minister hopes to heal the misunderstanding with South Korea.

   What to watch next

   • Whether Ukraine issues the official apology demanded by Seoul
   • Official confirmation of any military aid agreements linked to the transfer
   • Further diplomatic actions taken by South Korea's spy agency or government
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. Al Jazeera — South Korea, Ukraine relations sour over North Korean POW transfer
   2. CNN — South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over disclosure of North Korean POW transfer
   3. ft.com — Seoul accuses Ukraine of violating secrecy pact on North Korean soldiers
   4. www.koreatimes.co.kr — Seoul, Kyiv at odds over secret deal on NK POW transfer
   5. bbc.com — Seoul summons Ukraine envoy over North Korean prisoner-of-war row
   6. theguardian.com — Why is South Korea so angry with Ukraine over two North Korean prisoners of war?
   7. Reuters — South Korea made no military aid pledge to Ukraine over transfer of North Koreans, lawmaker says
   8. The Independent — Why is South Korea unhappy with Ukraine over transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers?
   9. Euronews.com — Seoul thinks Zelenskyy revealed North Korean POW transfer to win arms
   10. AP News — South Korea says Zelenskyy's revelation of a secret POW transfer was likely a play for more support
   11. Korea JoongAng Daily — How a humanitarian transfer of North Korean POWs became a row between Seoul and Kyiv
   12. CNA — CNA Explains: Why is South Korea angry with Ukraine over two North Korean POWs?
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