Zelensky breaches confidentiality agreement by disclosing transfer of North Korean POWs, South Korea says

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   South Korea Demands Apology Over Ukraine POW Disclosure

   South Korean President Lee Jae Myung demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war. Zelensky announced during a United Nations speech on September 23 that Ukraine had recently sent the two captured soldiers to South Korea, adding that one of them had tried to kill himself after capture. Seoul stated that the announcement breached a mutual non-disclosure agreement and criticized Kyiv for denying that the move was meant to remain confidential.

   Why it matters

   The public disclosure creates diplomatic friction between Seoul and Kyiv over sensitive intelligence and security protocols on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea gave prior notice about the UN speech but did not receive specifics regarding the prisoner transfer reveal. Seoul suspects the public announcement was an effort by Ukraine to win arms support.

   What is confirmed

   • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated during a speech to the United Nations on September 23 that Ukraine had sent two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
   • South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated that the disclosure breached a non-disclosure agreement and called the action very disappointing.
   • South Korea demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine over the disclosure and subsequent denials regarding the confidentiality pact.
   • The two North Korean prisoners of war arrived in South Korea from Ukraine in mid-September.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Seoul suspects that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed the North Korean prisoner of war transfer in order to win arms support.
   • A Zelensky aide defended the disclosure by stating that Ukraine is an open country.

   What to watch next

   • An official response or apology from the Ukrainian government regarding the demand from Seoul.
   • Any shift in South Korean military or humanitarian aid policy toward Ukraine following the diplomatic clash.
   Sources used for this update (30)

   1. nytimes.com — ​Ukraine Sent Two North Korean P.O.W.s to South Korea, Zelensky Says
   2. AP News — Zelenskyy says Ukraine sent 2 North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea
   3. Al Jazeera — Zelenskyy says Ukraine sent two North Korean POWs to South Korea
   4. South China Morning Post — Ukraine’s POW transfer reveal deals propaganda blow to North Korea
   5. www.upi.com — Lee says Ukraine disclosed transfer of 2 N.K. soldiers in breach of non-disclosure agreement
   6. The Korea Times — Seoul, Kyiv clash over confidentiality as N. Korean POW repatriation goes public
   7. The Kyiv Independent — Zelensky breaches confidentiality agreement by disclosing transfer of North Korean POWs, South Korea says
   8. Korea JoongAng Daily — South Korea says Ukraine gave prior notice of Zelensky's North Korean POW disclosure at UN, but not specifics
   9. www.cnn.com — South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over disclosure of ...
   10. kyivindependent.com — Zelensky breaches confidentiality agreement by disclosing transfer of North Korean POWs, South Korea says
   11. www.yahoo.com — Zelensky breaches confidentiality agreement by disclosing ...
   12. www.independent.co.uk — South Korea says Zelensky disclosing transfer of POWs ...
   confidence 100%