Politics · South Korea · 10 hrs ago
Ukraine-South Korea ties strain over prisoners and fuel shipment claims
Ukraine sent two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, and President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed the transfer at the United Nations in September.
Seoul said the transfer was meant to remain secret, partly because the prisoners’ families in North Korea could face repercussions and the disclosure could affect South Korea’s security.
Kyiv called the dispute a diplomatic misunderstanding but has denied breaking any formal agreement, further angering South Korean officials.
South Korea recalled its ambassador from Kyiv after allegations that more than 176,000 tonnes of fuel were shipped from South Korea to Russia in July and August, potentially helping Moscow and breaching sanctions; Seoul denies the claims.
South Korea has not agreed to send weapons to Ukraine, though it pledged US$100-million in non-lethal aid in July.
The dispute is unfolding as both countries face complicated security ties with the United States, which one expert says has not stepped in to mediate.
Both governments say they want a way forward, but the sources describe no specific next steps.
Relations between Ukraine and South Korea have deteriorated over Ukraine’s disclosure of a transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war and allegations of fuel shipments to Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed the prisoner transfer at the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 23, despite Seoul’s claim that both sides understood it would remain secret.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung accused Kyiv of turning the transfer into a public spectacle and putting the prisoners and South Korea’s security at risk.
A report that more than 176,000 tonnes of diesel and other fuel were shipped from South Korea to Russia in July and August has further strained ties; Seoul denies the report and related accusations.
South Korea withdrew its ambassador from Kyiv, while both governments have said they want to find a way forward.
- Who
- The governments of Ukraine and South Korea, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Lee Jae Myung.
- What
- A diplomatic dispute over Ukraine’s public disclosure of a transfer of two North Korean prisoners and allegations of South Korean fuel shipments to Russia.
- When
- The prisoner transfer was disclosed on Sept. 23. Fuel shipments were reported for July and August.
- Where
- Between Kyiv and Seoul; the prisoner disclosure was made at the United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- Seoul said the transfer was understood to be confidential and raised security concerns. Ukraine also accused South Korea of sending fuel to Russia, which Seoul denies.
Ukraine
South Korea
Prisoner transfer disclosure
Ukraine
Ukrainian officials denied breaching any formal agreement.
South Korea
Seoul said there was a clear understanding that the transfer would remain secret.
Fuel shipment allegations
Ukraine
Ukraine’s sanctions commissioner said shipments of fuel to Russia helped Moscow offset a possible shortage.
South Korea
South Korea denied the report and the accusations.
Support for Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukrainian officials have sought support for weapons, while South Korea has so far refused to provide them.
South Korea
South Korea has provided non-lethal aid and says it wants to find a way forward.
North Korea dispatched troops to Russia to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
More than 176,000 tonnes of diesel and other fuel were reportedly shipped from South Korea to Russia’s far east.
Zelensky told the United Nations General Assembly that Ukraine had sent two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
South Korea withdrew its ambassador from Kyiv after the fuel shipment report and related accusations.
- Prisoners transferred
- 2 North Korean prisoners of war
- Disclosure date
- Sept. 23
- Reported fuel shipments
- More than 176,000 tonnes of diesel and other fuel
- Shipment period
- July and August
- South Korean aid
- US$100-million in non-lethal aid, committed in July
- Ambassador
- South Korea withdrew its ambassador from Kyiv
3 sources
What people are saying
into a spectacle for the sake of claiming credit
In the absence of firmer security ties with D.C., both Ukraine and South Korea are trying to make their own way in a dangerous world, even if that means playing hardball with other democracies.