South Korea Seeks Ukraine Apology Over POW Transfer

South Korea has demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly disclosed the transfer of two North Korean soldiers captured fighting for Russia, setting off a diplomatic dispute over whether the move was supposed to remain confidential. The two governments agree that the soldiers were transferred to South Korea and that Zelenskyy announced it publicly. They disagree over whether Kyiv had agreed to keep the transfer secret. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said the disclosure violated a confidentiality agreement. Ukrainian presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn denied that any such agreement existed. South Korea summoned Ukraine’s senior diplomat in Seoul on Monday, September 28, and sought an apology or explanation. Seoul has said Kyiv requested secrecy, citing the soldiers’ safety, the security of their families and diplomatic considerations. It has also said Ukraine was concerned about domestic criticism over foregoing a possible prisoner exchange involving Ukrainians held by Russia.