According to the Korean Times, as the issue of Ukraine announcing the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Korea sparked diplomatic disputes between South Korea and Ukraine, a South Korean foreign ministry official stated on the 15th local time that South Korea will continue to support Ukraine as a responsible member of the international community.
The official stated that Seoul will handle aid to Ukraine separately from diplomatic disputes and continue to resolve unresolved issues through bilateral consultations.
This Korean official also stated that three European countries have expressed their hope for continued support from South Korea for Ukraine, and have offered to help ease the tensions between Seoul and Kiev. The report did not disclose which three European countries these are.
On September 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly that two Ukrainian soldiers were transferred to South Korea, sparking diplomatic controversy between the two countries. South Korea accused Ukraine of unilaterally making public this information and releasing false statements regarding confidentiality agreements, demanding an official explanation and apology from Ukraine.
But the Ukrainian side remains negative, and South Korea decided to recall its ambassador to Ukraine on the 8th of this month.
On October 12, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Serebria said in an interview with local media that Ukraine has handed over two North Korean military prisoners to South Korea and fulfilled all its obligations, stating that the matter is now concluded.
Yonhap reported that the statement from the Ukrainian side was seen as a refusal to accept the Korean side's apology request.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 13th that South Korea's stance remains unchanged: it demands that Ukraine apologize, provide explanations, and promise not to repeat such incidents. South Korea will continue to communicate with Ukraine in order to find a proper solution to the relevant issues.
