Full Breakdown
South Korea–Ukraine Dispute Over Secret Transfer of North Korean POWs
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Secret Transfer and Diplomatic Fallout
In late September 2026 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced at the United Nations General Assembly that Ukraine had transferred two North Korean soldiers, captured in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025, to the Republic of Korea. South Korean officials said the handover had been discussed privately and that both governments had agreed to keep the move confidential. Seoul alleges that Zelenskyy’s public disclosure breached a “non-disclosure agreement,” while Kyiv maintains that no such pact existed. The dispute escalated when South Korea’s foreign ministry summoned Ukraine’s acting ambassador Andrii Vieshkin on September 28 2026 and demanded an apology.
Background & Context
North Korea has deployed roughly 14,000–15,000 troops to support Russia since 2024. South Korea legally regards North Koreans as its own citizens and has a policy of accepting defectors. The two prisoners expressed a desire to resettle in South Korea, prompting Kyiv to arrange their transfer. South Korea’s liberal government has been pursuing a diplomatic thaw with Pyongyang while providing non-lethal aid to Ukraine.
Timeline
- January 11 2025 – Zelenskyy posted images of the captured soldiers.
- September 27 2026 – Zelenskyy disclosed the transfer at the UN.
- September 28 2026 – South Korea summoned Ambassador Vieshkin, demanding an apology.
- September 29 2026 – Zelenskyy told reporters that more than 8,000 North Korean troops remain in Russia and that preparations are under way to deploy another 10,000.
- September 30 2026 – South Korean officials reiterated the breach claim; a lawmaker clarified that no promise of military aid to Ukraine was tied to the transfer.
Data & Statistics
- North Korean troop deployment: 14,000–15,000 soldiers.
- Reported North Korean casualties: 2,000 killed (South Korean intelligence) and over 6,000 killed (other officials).
- The two prisoners arrived in South Korea in mid-September 2026 and were reported to have “no major health problems.”
Official Statements & Responses
Senior presidential secretary for public relations Seong Ghi-hong said the government expressed “strong regret” over Ukraine’s “unilateral disclosure” and its “false announcement” that no confidentiality agreement existed, adding that Seoul was reviewing additional measures.
Ukraine’s presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn asserted that “there was no such agreement (to keep the transfer a secret).”
Criticism & Opposition
Lawmakers and analysts in Seoul have questioned the government’s handling of the episode. Lawmaker Kim Byung-joo (People Power Party) complained that “all we’ve received so far in return for our humanitarian aid and US$100 million in economic assistance is a breach of a presidential agreement and the spread of false information.” Dr. Lee Soo-hyung noted that “the Korean government appears to have also judged that this issue could affect the future progress of inter-Korean ties.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Confidentiality agreement: South Korean officials claim a clear understanding was reached; Ukrainian officials deny any formal pact.
- Casualty figures: South Korean intelligence cites 2,000 deaths, while other officials reference over 6,000.
- Motivation for disclosure: Some lawmakers suggest Zelenskyy aimed to generate public support for Ukrainian arms requests, a claim not confirmed by Kyiv.
What’s Next
Seoul has indicated it will consider “additional measures” if Kyiv does not issue an apology, though no specific actions have been announced. Diplomatic channels remain open, but the episode has strained bilateral trust and may influence future discussions on security cooperation and humanitarian assistance.