Ukraine and South Korea seek to restore diplomatic ties after a dispute over two Korean POWs, with both foreign ministers discussing reconciliation and continued support for Ukraine in Paris.
Ukraine and South Korea are taking steps to restore bilateral relations following diplomatic tensions over the transfer of two Korean prisoners of war (POWs) captured by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said relations were improving after his meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers' meeting in Paris.
Sybiha described the discussion as constructive and said both sides had addressed recent disagreements openly. Speaking to Ukrainian national television, he said the meeting had created an opportunity for further steps towards the full normalisation of diplomatic relations. He also expressed confidence that Ukraine and South Korea could develop a more dynamic and high-level bilateral partnership.
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The diplomatic dispute emerged in September after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed during an address to the United Nations General Assembly that Ukraine had transferred two captured Korean soldiers to South Korea. Seoul said the disclosure violated an understanding between the two countries to maintain confidentiality over the transfer to protect the soldiers and their families in Korea.
South Korea subsequently recalled its ambassador to Ukraine in October and withdrew approximately half of its embassy personnel from Kyiv. Seoul had expressed dissatisfaction with Ukraine's response to the issue and called for an apology and measures to prevent similar incidents. Ukraine, however, maintained that the disagreement resulted from differing interpretations of confidentiality arrangements and said it had fulfilled its obligations.
During the Paris meeting, Cho emphasised that mutual respect, trust and faithful implementation of bilateral agreements were essential foundations for developing relations. According to South Korea's Foreign Ministry, he also expressed hope that outstanding issues could be resolved smoothly. Sybiha called for continued diplomatic engagement to ensure stable management and development of bilateral ties.
The two ministers also discussed South Korea's continued assistance to Ukraine. Cho reaffirmed Seoul's position on supporting Ukraine through humanitarian assistance and contributions towards the country's reconstruction. Sybiha expressed appreciation for South Korea's past and future support, particularly its backing for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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The discussions come amid broader security concerns surrounding Korea's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine. Ukrainian and South Korean estimates indicate that Korea has deployed approximately 14,000 to 15,000 troops to support Russian forces since 2024, with many reportedly stationed in the Kursk region.
The latest diplomatic engagement signals an effort by both governments to address their differences while maintaining cooperation on humanitarian and security matters. However, further discussions remain necessary before bilateral relations can return to their previous level.