Military — 2026-09-29

South Korea Demands Apology From Ukraine After Zelensky Publicly Discloses Secret Transfer of Two North Korean POWs

BLUFKyiv is unlikely to publicly apologize to Seoul by October 15, having already rejected the premise on the record, leaving both sides to manage the fallout through quieter diplomatic channels.

South Korea's presidential office demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine in a statement released Sunday, saying Kyiv disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war and then falsely denied a confidentiality agreement; Seoul is reviewing additional measures if necessary 12. Presidential secretary Seong Ghi-hong said Ukraine had requested secrecy, citing fear of domestic criticism for forgoing a swap for Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia 12. Zelensky announced the transfer at the UN General Assembly on September 23 3, and President Lee Jae-myung said days later that the disclosure breached an agreement 1. Zelensky adviser Dmytro Lytvyn replied that "there was no agreement to remain silent" 3, and Ukraine's embassy in Seoul did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment 1.

Analysis
Ukraine is unlikely to issue a public apology to South Korea by October 15. Kyiv has rejected the premise through a Zelensky adviser who said concealment would have been wrong, and reversing course would concede a breach and revive the domestic criticism it reportedly feared over forgoing a prisoner swap. A private explanation or softened expression of regret is more plausible, particularly with Seoul weighing further measures. Confidence is high because both sides' public positions are unambiguous and consistent across reporting, though CNN and U.S. News largely carry Reuters copy, so independent corroboration is thinner than the four outlets suggest. Seoul's demand may also be aimed mainly at a domestic audience, since Lee faces opposition scrutiny over the soldiers' arrival. If so, Kyiv could treat an apology as unnecessary. Absent one, Seoul may limit bilateral engagement, and Kyiv would have to manage risk to a key Asian backer.

5 sources

South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over disclosure of North Korean POW transfer - CNN
S Korea demands Ukraine apology over disclosure of N Korea's POW transfer - Al Jazeera
Ukraine's disclosure of secret North Korean POW transfer sparks South Korea's demand for an apology - Euromaidan Press
South Korea Demands Apology From Ukraine Over Disclosure of North Korean PoW Transfer - U.S. News & World Report (Reuters)
Foreign Ministry Summons Ukrainian Chargé d'Affaires, Demanding Apology over North Korean POW Disclosure - SBS News Korea