Zelenskyy says Ukraine sent 2 North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea
South Korea has withdrawn eight diplomats from Ukraine as a diplomatic feud escalates between Seoul and Kyiv. The friction erupted after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly revealed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Seoul asserts this disclosure breached a confidentiality agreement, a claim Ukraine denies. In response to the standoff, South Korea has demanded an apology and threatened further measures, while also repatriating an aid worker from Kyiv due to safety concerns.
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- ✓ South Korea is withdrawing eight diplomats following a dispute over a North Korean prisoner transfer.
- ✓ South Korea demanded an explanation and apology from Ukraine after Kyiv disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners.
- ✓ South Korea's international aid agency decided to bring back one of its two staff members from its Kyiv office over safety grounds.
What changed
South Korea withdrew eight diplomats and an international aid worker from Ukraine following the escalating prisoner disclosure dispute.
Live updates
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South Korea Withdraws Diplomats Amid Ukraine POW Dispute
South Korea has withdrawn eight diplomats from Ukraine as a diplomatic feud escalates between Seoul and Kyiv. The friction erupted after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly revealed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Seoul asserts this disclosure breached a confidentiality agreement, a claim Ukraine denies. In response to the standoff, South Korea has demanded an apology and threatened further measures, while also repatriating an aid worker from Kyiv due to safety concerns.
Why it matters
The diplomatic rift complicates South Korea's strategy regarding Pyongyang and Moscow as the conflict in Ukraine continues. President Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of utilizing fighters from 47 nations, highlighting the international dimensions of the war. Seoul previously recalled its ambassador over the prisoner transfer disclosure before taking the additional step of withdrawing embassy personnel.
What is confirmed
- South Korea is withdrawing eight diplomats following a dispute over a North Korean prisoner transfer.
- South Korea demanded an explanation and apology from Ukraine after Kyiv disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners.
- South Korea's international aid agency decided to bring back one of its two staff members from its Kyiv office over safety grounds.
Still unconfirmed
- South Korea threatens further measures if Ukraine does not publicly apologize for disclosing the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war.
What to watch next
- Whether Ukraine issues a public apology to satisfy Seoul's demands
- Any further diplomatic measures or retaliatory steps announced by South Korea
- The potential return or continued evacuation of additional South Korean personnel from Ukraine
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.wionews.com — South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over North Korean ...
- www.wionews.com — 'Putin is always looking for someone who can help him kill ...
- theswalerooms.com — Seoul Demands Apology from Kyiv Over POW Transfer Disclosure ...
- www.kyivpost.com — South Korea Withdraws 8 Diplomats as POW Dispute Deepens
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — S. Korea repatriates aid worker from Ukraine over safety
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South Korea pulls more embassy staff amid Ukraine POW dispute
South Korea is withdrawing additional embassy personnel from Ukraine as a diplomatic feud intensifies. Seoul announced the move following what it termed a lack of constructive response from Kyiv regarding the public disclosure of two North Korean prisoners of war. The friction began when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly revealed the transfer of the captives to Seoul. South Korea asserts this disclosure breached confidentiality agreements, while Ukraine denies any such non-public pact existed and has rejected demands for an apology. The ongoing standoff complicates South Korea diplomatic strategy concerning Pyongyang and Moscow.
Why it matters
The diplomatic rift threatens to disrupt future prisoner transfer arrangements and creates friction among European allies concerned about the handling of detainees. Seoul already recalled its ambassador after the initial public disclosure by Ukrainian leadership. Both governments remain at an impasse regarding confidentiality protocols.
What is confirmed
- South Korea is withdrawing additional embassy personnel from Ukraine following a dispute over North Korean prisoners of war.
- Seoul's Foreign Ministry stated the reduction in personnel is a response to a lack of constructive response from Kyiv.
- The diplomatic standoff centers on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly disclosing the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul.
What to watch next
- Further staff reductions or diplomatic expulsions between Seoul and Kyiv
- Decisions regarding the future handling and transfer of North Korean prisoners of war
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.yahoo.com — Yahoo
- www.straitstimes.com — South Korea to pull more Ukraine embassy staff after POW ...
- www.csis.org — Ukraine and South Korea’s Diplomatic Dispute Deepens | State of Play
- www.thestandard.com.hk — South Korea to pull more Ukraine embassy staff after POW dispute
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South Korea Withdraws Embassy Staff From Ukraine Over POW Row
South Korea is withdrawing additional embassy staff from Ukraine as a diplomatic standoff persists over the public disclosure of two North Korean prisoners of war. Seoul previously recalled its ambassador following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealing the transfer, which South Korea argues violated confidentiality. Ukraine rejected demands for an apology, stating no non-public agreement existed. The dispute complicates South Korean diplomatic efforts regarding Pyongyang and Moscow while risking future prisoner transfers due to growing European concerns.
Why it matters
The diplomatic rift began when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly revealed that two captured North Korean soldiers had been transferred to Seoul. South Korea announced the recall of its ambassador on October 8 and confirmed on Tuesday that additional embassy personnel will be withdrawn from Kyiv. US experts assess that the disclosure complicates President Lee Jae Myungs efforts to restore dialogue with Pyongyang and improve relations with Moscow.
What is confirmed
- South Korea will withdraw part of its embassy staff from Ukraine.
- South Korea recalled its ambassador to Kyiv earlier this month following the prisoner disclosure.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed that two North Korean prisoners of war were sent to South Korea.
Still unconfirmed
- South Korea is seeking a diplomatic way out of the dispute as the apology standoff persists.
- European concerns are growing that the diplomatic fallout risks blocking future transfers of North Korean prisoners.
What to watch next
- Decisions by South Korea on further diplomatic downgrades or embassy closures in Kyiv
- Formal resolution of the apology standoff between Seoul and Kyiv
- Impact on future prisoner of war transfers from Ukraine to allied nations
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.koreaherald.com — Seoul seeks way out of N. Korean POW dispute with Ukraine as apology standoff persists
- www.chosun.com — South Korea's Ambassador Recall Threatens POW Transfers
- www.aljazeera.com — South Korea to pull more embassy staff from Ukraine after POW ...
- www.ajupress.com — Korea pulls diplomats from Kyiv as POW dispute deepens | Aju Press
- www.ajupress.com — Ukraine POW disclosure complicated Seoul's diplomacy: US ...
- grenadachronicle.com — South Korea to pull more embassy staff from Ukraine after POW row - Grenada Chronicle – Daily Grenada And Caribbean News
- sitkasentinel.com — AP News Digest 6 a.m. - Daily Sitka Sentinel
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Ukraine Rebuffs South Korea Demand Over North Korean POWs
Ukraine has rejected demands from South Korea for an apology regarding the public disclosure of two North Korean prisoners of war sent to Seoul. The diplomatic crisis escalated after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the transfer, which Seoul argued violated a confidentiality pact. South Korea recalled its ambassador and stated that an apology was sent by Ukraine, but the Ukrainian foreign minister asserted that no non-public agreement existed and that the repatriation issue is fully concluded. The controversy has ignited fierce domestic political backlash within South Korea.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on captured North Korean soldiers whose repatriation became a flashpoint between Kyiv and Seoul. South Korea maintains that publicizing the transfer breached confidential protocols, while Ukraine argues that diplomatic priorities outweigh discretion. The friction strains bilateral relations as foreign policy and domestic political pressures mount in Seoul.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine rejected South Korea's demand for an apology regarding the prisoner of war transfer.
- The Ukrainian foreign minister stated that the repatriation issue is concluded and no non-public agreement existed.
- South Korea recalled its ambassador to Ukraine amid the escalating diplomatic dispute.
Still unconfirmed
- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that Ukraine sent an apology over the disclosure.
What to watch next
- Decisions by Seoul on the status of its recalled ambassador to Ukraine.
- Further domestic political developments in South Korea regarding the POW disclosure.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.chosun.com — Ukraine Rebuffs South Korea's Apology Demand - 조선일보
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — Timeline of NK POW row between Seoul, Kyiv - The Korea Times
- en.fnnews.com — Zelenskyy's disclosure of North Korean POWs' repatriation to ...
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South Korea Recalls Ukraine Ambassador Over POW Transfer Row
South Korea recalled its ambassador to Ukraine amid an escalating diplomatic dispute over the disclosure of a prisoner-of-war transfer. The crisis erupted after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly revealed that two North Korean prisoners of war had been sent to Seoul, which South Korea claims breached a confidentiality pact. While Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that Ukraine sent an apology over the disclosure, the Ukrainian government maintained that diplomacy must precede emotion and that the issue is considered closed. Meanwhile, the controversy has triggered fierce domestic political backlash in Seoul.
Why it matters
The diplomatic friction highlights mounting tensions between Seoul and Kyiv regarding the handling of North Korean combatants captured in the conflict. South Korea asserts that the public disclosure damaged national dignity and violated a non-disclosure agreement, a claim denied by the Ukrainian presidential office. The fallout has also sparked internal political divisions in South Korea, with ruling party figures sharply criticizing opposition lawmakers who praised Zelenskyy.
What is confirmed
- South Korea decided to recall its ambassador to Ukraine following a dispute over the disclosure of two North Korean prisoners of war.
- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that Ukraine sent an apology over its disclosure of the transfer.
- The Ukrainian government stated that diplomacy must take precedence over emotion and considers the issue closed without offering a formal apology satisfying Seoul.
- South Korea's ruling Democratic Party criticized opposition lawmaker Na Kyung-won for sending a thank-you letter to Zelenskyy.
Still unconfirmed
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that South Korea requested the North Korean prisoner repatriation under its constitution.
What to watch next
- Whether South Korea takes additional measures if Kyiv continues to refuse an official apology
- Developments regarding the safety and status of the transferred North Korean prisoners and their families
- Further official diplomatic communications between Seoul and Kyiv to resolve the ambassadorial standoff
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (31)
- recentbreaches.com — Recent Breaches: Latest Data Breach News & Live Tracker (2026)
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — Seoul's diplomatic dilemma over North Korean POWs
- slownews.kr — Slow Letter: October 05, 2026.
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — [COVER STORY] Ukraine's apology over NK POWs falls short of Korea's expectation: foreign minister
- www.bbc.com — South Korea recalls Ukraine envoy over prisoner-of-war row
- www.chosun.com — Zelenskyy Says South Korea Requested North Korean Prisoner ...
- www.chosun.com — South Korea Recalls Ukraine Ambassador
- kdhnews.com — South Korea to recall its ambassador to Ukraine over North ...
- www.abc.net.au — South Korea recalls ambassador to Ukraine over Prisoner of War transfer row - ABC News
- m.kookminnews.com — [마초의 잡설 Macho Picks 3.0] Why the Warm Feeling Toward Ukraine Is Cooling in South Korea-국민....
- news.sbs.co.kr — Democratic Party Calls Thank-You Letter to Zelenskyy 'Treason' as Rep. Na Kyung-won Fires Back: 'A Thorou....
- news.sbs.co.kr — Ukraine Says "Diplomacy Must Come Before Emotion"... No Official Apology
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South Korea threatens measures as Ukraine denies POW secrecy pact
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has demanded an official apology from Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly revealed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war. President Lee warns of additional measures if Kyiv continues to refuse to acknowledge the facts, claiming the disclosure damaged the dignity of the Republic of Korea. While Seoul asserts a non-disclosure agreement was breached, the Ukrainian presidential office denies such a pact existed. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy warns that 10,000 more North Korean soldiers are preparing for deployment to Russia, adding to 8,000 currently being selected for training.
Why it matters
The dispute stems from the January 2025 transfer of North Korean soldiers captured in the Kursk region. This diplomatic rift occurs as North Korea increases its military support for Russia. The tension complicates bilateral relations regarding military aid and prisoner exchanges.
What is confirmed
- President Lee Jae Myung demanded an apology from Ukraine over the disclosure of the North Korean POW transfer.
- President Lee warned that South Korea will take further measures if Ukraine refuses to apologize.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated 10,000 more North Korean soldiers are preparing to join Russian forces.
- Ukraine transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea in January 2025.
- The Ukrainian presidential office denies that a secret agreement regarding the transfer was made.
Still unconfirmed
- Seoul's spy agency claims Ukraine was the first to request that the POW transfer be kept secret.
- Zelenskyy claims 8,000 North Korean troops are currently being selected for training and deployment to Russia.
What to watch next
- Official response from the Ukrainian presidential office to President Lee's threat of additional measures.
- Confirmation of the total number of North Korean troops deployed to Russia.
- Diplomatic resolution efforts by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.pbs.org — WATCH LIVE: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy addresses 2026 UN General Assembly
- slownews.kr — Slow Letter: September 29, 2026.
- www.deccanherald.com — North Korea troops: Zelenskyy says 10000 more soldiers preparing for Russia
- abcnews.com — Seoul demands apology after Zelenskyy reveals North Korean ...
- www.lbc.co.uk — Zelenskyy claims 8,000 North Korean troops are currently ...
- en.yna.co.kr — (2nd LD) Lee warns of 'additional measures' if Ukraine refuses to apologize over N.K. POW transfer disclo....
- news.sbs.co.kr — President Lee Expresses 'Deep Regret' Over Ukraine 'Scheming War on Korean Peninsula'
- www.foreignpolicyjournal.com — Ukraine And South Korea Clash Over Disclosure Of North Korean Prisoner Transfer
- korean-vibe.com — Spy agency says Ukraine first requested confidentiality over transfer of N. Korean POWs
- daryo.uz — South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over North Korean POW disclosure | Daryo
- www.theepochtimes.com — South Korea’s President Threatens ‘Additional Measures’ Unless Ukraine Apologizes Over POW Disclosu....
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South Korea Reacts to Ukraine Disclosing North Korean POW Transfer
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly revealed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. The two soldiers were captured in the Kursk region after fighting for Russia and were sent to South Korea. President Lee stated that the public disclosure breached a non-disclosure agreement regarding the sensitive operation. Kyiv previously carried out the transfer in January 2025. While South Korea maintains a confidentiality pact existed, the Ukrainian presidential office denies that any secret agreement was made about the transfer.
Why it matters
The public disclosure at the United Nations General Assembly created an unexpected diplomatic dispute between Seoul and Kyiv. The involvement of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces adds a sensitive international dimension to the ongoing conflict. South Korea demands adherence to diplomatic confidentiality in handling captured personnel from the secretive northern regime.
What is confirmed
- President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret that Ukraine disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly disclosed that Ukraine sent two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea.
- The two North Korean soldiers were taken prisoner while fighting for Russia.
- Ukraine transferred the two prisoners in January 2025 after they were captured in the Kursk region.
Still unconfirmed
- South Korea claims Kyiv breached an alleged confidentiality pact regarding the transfer of the prisoners.
What to watch next
- Any formal diplomatic response or policy shift from Seoul regarding future prisoner transfers
- Further statements from Kyiv regarding the alleged confidentiality agreement
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.aol.com — Russian strikes kill 2 in Ukraine after Moscow rejects German calls to de-escalate - AOL
- www.bastillepost.com — Esteban Ocon confirms he's leaving Haas at the end of the 2026 F1 season
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — Lee says Ukraine breached non-disclosure agreement on 2 NK soldiers
- slguardian.org — Ukraine Transfers Captured North Korean Soldiers to South Korea, Zelenskyy Says – Sri Lanka Guardian
- en.yna.co.kr — (3rd LD) Ukraine recently sent 2 N. Korean POWs to S. Korea: Zelenskyy | Yonhap News Agency
- en.wikipedia.org — Volodymyr Zelenskyy - Wikipedia
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South Korea Demands Apology From Ukraine Over POW Disclosure
South Korea demands an apology from Ukraine following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's public disclosure at the United Nations General Assembly that two captured North Korean soldiers were sent to Seoul. The diplomatic row centers on an alleged confidentiality pact, which Seoul claims Kyiv breached by revealing the transfer. Ukraine previously transferred the two prisoners in January 2025 after they were captured in the Kursk region. While Ukraine's presidential office denies the existence of a secret agreement regarding the operation, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung maintains that the public announcement violated a confidentiality understanding.
Why it matters
The dispute strains relations between Seoul and Kyiv over sensitive intelligence and security operations involving North Korean personnel captured in the war. The transfer took place after 20 months of captivity before Zelenskyy brought the arrangement to light during his UN address. Seoul insists the arrangement required strict secrecy, setting up a clash over diplomatic protocols.
What is confirmed
- South Korea demanded an apology from Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly revealed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war.
- Seoul states that Kyiv violated an agreement to keep the transfer of the two North Korean prisoners confidential.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the transfer during the United Nations General Assembly.
- The two North Korean soldiers were transferred to South Korea in January 2025 after being captured in the Kursk region.
Still unconfirmed
- Ukraine's presidential office denies the existence of a secret agreement with Seoul regarding the transfer.
What to watch next
- Whether Ukraine issues an apology to South Korea
- Further diplomatic statements from President Lee Jae Myung or President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.aljazeera.com — Why South Korea is demanding an apology from Ukraine over North Korean PoWs
- www.upi.com — South Korea demands Ukraine apology over North Korean POW disclosure
- www.ibtimes.co.uk — South Korea Demands Apology From Ukraine After Zelenskyy Reveals Secret North Korean POW Transfer
- nypost.com — South Korea fumes at Ukraine after Zelensky dishes on transfer of captured North Korean soldiers
- news.qq.com — 李在明下达正式外交通牒：两名朝鲜战俘引爆韩乌交恶，泽连斯基否认保密协议
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Ukraine denies secret deal after sending North Korean POWs to South Korea
Ukraine's presidential office denies the existence of a secret agreement with Seoul regarding the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war. The dispute follows President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's public announcement at the UN General Assembly that Ukraine sent the soldiers to South Korea. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung criticized the disclosure, claiming it violated a confidentiality agreement. While the soldiers arrived in South Korea after 20 months of captivity, the two governments now disagree on whether the operation was meant to remain hidden.
Why it matters
The transfer involves North Korean personnel captured during the conflict in Ukraine. This diplomatic friction occurs as South Korea manages the arrival of foreign combatants from a distant theater of war. The disagreement centers on the tension between public diplomatic wins and intelligence confidentiality.
What is confirmed
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced at the UN General Assembly that Ukraine sent two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
- The two North Korean soldiers had been in captivity in Ukraine for nearly 20 months.
- President Lee Jae Myung stated that the public announcement violated a confidentiality agreement.
- Ukraine's presidential office denied that a secret deal existed with Seoul.
Still unconfirmed
- South Korea's Foreign Ministry has not directly confirmed the comments made by Zelenskyy.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation or denial of the POWs' status from the South Korean Foreign Ministry.
- Further diplomatic responses from the Democratic Party of Korea regarding the breach of trust.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- en.sedaily.com — Zelenskyy Aide Denies Secret Deal on North Korean POW Transfer
- www.thestar.com — Zelenskyy says Ukraine sent 2 North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea - The Star,Breaking News
- abcnews.com — Zelenskyy says Ukraine sent 2 North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — Ukraine sent 2 captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea, Zelenskyy says
- www.bosik.kr — Ukraine Sent North Korean POWs to South Korea—And Got a Slap Instead of Thanks
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — 2 N. Korean POWs arrive in S. Korea after 20 months of captivity in Ukraine
- biz.chosun.com — Zelensky says North Korea sends 2 POWs from Ukraine war to South Korea
- www.military.com — Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Sent 2 North Korean Prisoners of War to South Korea
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South Korea Rebukes Zelenskyy After Disclosure of North Korean POW Transfer
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for revealing the transfer of two captured North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Zelenskyy announced the move during a speech to the UN General Assembly. President Lee stated the public disclosure breached a non-disclosure agreement between the two nations, expressing regret over the announcement. While Ukraine confirmed the transfer of the soldiers, Seoul maintains the operation should have remained secret.
Why it matters
North Korea has provided military personnel to support Russian forces in Ukraine. The capture and subsequent transfer of these soldiers to South Korea provide a rare opportunity for intelligence gathering on Pyongyang's military capabilities and cooperation with Moscow.
What is confirmed
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine sent two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
- President Lee Jae Myung stated that the disclosure of the transfer breached a non-disclosure agreement.
- Zelenskyy made the announcement during a speech to the UN General Assembly.
What to watch next
- Official response from the Ukrainian government regarding the alleged breach of the non-disclosure agreement
- Statements from North Korea regarding the capture and transfer of its soldiers
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
- nytimes.com — Ukraine Sent Two North Korean P.O.W.s to South Korea, Zelensky Says
- Reuters — Ukraine sent two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea, Zelenskiy says
- AP News — Zelenskyy says Ukraine sent 2 North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea
- 조선일보 — Zelenskyy Announces Repatriation of South Korean Nationals
- pravda.com.ua — Zelenskyy says Ukraine transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea
- Al Jazeera — Zelenskyy says Ukraine sent two North Korean POWs to South Korea
- www.upi.com — Lee says Ukraine disclosed transfer of 2 N.K. soldiers in breach of non-disclosure agreement
- eualive.net — Seoul rebukes Zelenskyy after UN speech reveals secret transfer of North Korean POWs
- www.advance.hr — Tajni transfer više nije tajan: Seul zamjerio Zelenskom kršenje dogovora
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