A diplomatic row has escalated between Ukraine and South Korea after Seoul's president accused Kyiv of undermining him by disclosing a deal involving the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war.
Key facts
- A dispute has emerged between Ukraine and South Korea over North Korean prisoners of war.
- South Korea's president accused Ukraine of undermining him.
- The accusation centres on the disclosure of a POW transfer deal.
- The row was reported by Al Jazeera on October 2, 2026.
A diplomatic dispute has escalated between Ukraine and South Korea over the handling of North Korean prisoners of war, according to Al Jazeera.
At the centre of the row is South Korea’s president, who accused Ukraine of undermining him by disclosing a deal to transfer North Korean POWs, the outlet reported.
The disagreement points to tensions over how the arrangement was made public, with Seoul’s leader expressing displeasure at the disclosure.
The presence of North Korean personnel in the context of the war in Ukraine has drawn international attention, and the question of how captured individuals are handled has become a sensitive diplomatic matter between the two governments.
Further details about the specific terms of the transfer deal, the number of prisoners involved, and any official response from Ukraine were not provided in the available reporting.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights the delicate diplomacy surrounding North Korean involvement in the war in Ukraine and how captured personnel are handled. A rift between Ukraine and South Korea, both aligned against Russian and North Korean interests, could complicate cooperation among them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dispute between Ukraine and South Korea about?
According to Al Jazeera, the dispute concerns North Korean prisoners of war, with South Korea's president accusing Ukraine of undermining him by disclosing a POW transfer deal.
Why is South Korea's president upset with Ukraine?
Al Jazeera reported that South Korea's president accused Ukraine of undermining him specifically by disclosing the POW transfer deal.
How many prisoners are involved in the transfer deal?
The available reporting did not specify the number of prisoners involved in the transfer deal.