The exchange of two North Korean prisoners transferred by Ukraine to South Korea has escalated diplomatic tensions between Kyiv and Seoul. Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, announced in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 23 that Ukraine had sent two prisoners, who were captured during the war in the Kursk region of Russia in January 2025, to the Republic of Korea.
South Korea's Reaction
South Korea's reaction to Zelensky's statements was swift. The South Korean Foreign Ministry summoned the Ukrainian ambassador in Seoul, Andriy Vyshchkin, and demanded explanations regarding Ukraine's unilateral action. The ministry also called for an official apology from Ukraine for disclosing this information, as there had previously been an agreement to keep this matter confidential.
Comments from South Korean Officials
Lee Jae-myung, the President of South Korea, stated in response to Zelensky's remarks that the exchange of North Korean prisoners is a sensitive issue with far-reaching implications for diplomacy and national security on the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile, Dmytro Litvin, Zelensky's spokesperson, wrote on Facebook that there was no agreement to keep this matter confidential between the two countries.
The spokesperson for the South Korean presidency, Kim Seong-wan, called Litvin's statements incorrect and emphasized that Ukraine had requested the confidentiality of the prisoner exchange. He also added that Seoul had agreed to this confidentiality for diplomatic reasons and to protect the prisoners and their families who are still in North Korea.
Diplomatic Consequences
Recent developments indicate the likelihood of cooling relations between Kyiv and Seoul. Natalia Butyrska, an expert on the Asia-Pacific, believes that the South Korean government has not been particularly friendly towards Ukraine from the beginning and may now distance itself further. She also noted that Ukraine could have used this exchange to improve bilateral relations.
According to some observers, this diplomatic crisis may be linked to internal disputes in South Korea. Political opponents are demanding that President Lee explain why this prisoner exchange was handled confidentially and have accused him of trying to establish better relations with North Korea.
