South Korea has warned that its diplomatic relations with Ukraine could be severed following a dispute over two captured North Korean soldiers. Seoul has already recalled its ambassador from Kiev and withdrawn eight members of its diplomatic staff from the country. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed the measures, according to Yonhap news agency.
The dispute erupted after Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky publicly disclosed that two North Korean prisoners of war had been transferred to Seoul. South Korean officials insist that Kiev had agreed to keep the handover confidential to protect the captured soldiers and their families.
Ukraine, however, denies that any such agreement existed. Seoul has rejected this position and demanded an official explanation, an apology and guarantees that similar disclosures will not happen again.
Cho Hyun warned that any further escalation could ultimately lead to a complete breakdown of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Despite the growing tensions, South Korea has no plans to suspend humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Seoul continues to provide support in this area even as the diplomatic confrontation deepens.