South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has issued a warning to Ukraine, stating that further measures could be taken unless Kyiv acknowledges an alleged confidentiality agreement regarding two North Korean soldiers captured while fighting for Russia and offers an apology. President Lee expressed his concern over comments made by Ukrainian officials that he feels could heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula by suggesting a potential military confrontation between North and South Korea.
The dispute arose after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea. Seoul maintains that this transfer was covered under an agreement meant to protect the soldiers’ identities and circumstances, a claim disputed by Ukrainian authorities.
In an effort to resolve the disagreement, foreign ministry officials from both South Korea and Ukraine have engaged in discussions. These talks have centered on Seoul’s concerns, including the request for an apology, while both nations aim to avoid further straining their bilateral relations.
South Korea has been a supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, providing humanitarian and financial assistance. The country has also committed to additional non-lethal support to aid Kyiv in its ongoing conflict with Russia.