South Korea demanded an apology from Ukraine for “unilaterally and abruptly” revealing that Kyiv transferred North Korean prisoners-of-war — captured fighting for Russia — to Seoul, a diplomatic rupture reflecting the conflict’s increasingly global dimensions.
The Blue House said it was weighing “further necessary measures” against Kyiv for violating a secret pact, while Ukraine — frustrated by Seoul’s deepening economic ties with Moscow — disputed the deal’s confidentiality.
The spat comes as Seoul is pursuing a policy of détente with Pyongyang, and recently asked US President Donald Trump to reengage with the pariah state, an effort that Trump has already set in motion.
A former US national security adviser argued that Washington should shift from demanding denuclearization to seeking a “cold peace” with Pyongyang.