SEOUL: South Korea mentioned on Thursday (Oct 8) that it’ll recall its ambassador to Ukraine in response to a deepening diplomatic row over the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul.
The 2 international locations have been at loggerheads since Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy final month disclosed the prisoner switch, sparking anger in Seoul, which mentioned it had positioned their households in North Korea in danger.
The recall additionally comes days after a media report alleged greater than 176,000 tonnes of gas, largely diesel, had been shipped from South Korea to Russia in July and August, sparking accusations that Seoul was serving to alleviate Russian gas shortages.
“The federal government has determined to recall its ambassador to Ukraine,” the overseas ministry mentioned in an announcement.
“The federal government hopes that each one excellent points between the 2 international locations will probably be resolved amicably and can proceed consultations with the Ukrainian aspect to that finish.”
The Ukrainian Embassy in Seoul didn’t reply instantly to a request for remark.
Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, North Korea has grow to be a key ally of the Kremlin, sending troops to assist Moscow’s warfare effort in return for financial advantages and army know-how.
South Korea’s spy company estimated final yr that round 2,000 North Korean troops had been killed within the warfare, whereas a newer evaluation put the quantity killed or wounded at round 6,000.
Ukraine’s hopes of armament provides from Seoul have been sophisticated by the row over Zelenskyy’s disclosure.
South Korea has to this point not offered deadly weapons to Ukraine, citing a home ban on militarily aiding international locations at warfare.
Seoul had already summoned Kyiv’s ambassador and threatened unspecified “additional measures” and President Lee Jae Myung has demanded an official apology over the prisoner revelation.
Ukraine’s Overseas Minister Andriy Sybiga has referred to the incident as a “diplomatic misunderstanding”.
