Government Decides to Withdraw Some Embassy Staff from Ukraine: "No Forward-Looking Action from Ukraine"

Following the recall of South Korea's ambassador to Ukraine, the government has decided to withdraw some of its diplomatic personnel from the mission there.

Park Doo-soon, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said during a regular press briefing today (October 20), "The government decided to withdraw some embassy personnel, taking into account that the Ukrainian side has taken no forward-looking action even after the recall of the ambassador to Ukraine, and that ensuring safety is difficult due to persistent airstrike threats across Ukraine."

Spokesperson Park explained, "Even with the withdrawal, necessary diplomatic communication between the two countries will continue, centered around the chargé d'affaires."

He also added, "All consular staff will remain to continue making every effort to protect our overseas nationals."

When asked whether this measure also signifies a diplomatic protest against Ukraine, he answered, "Our government has already conveyed its position to the Ukrainian side through various channels," adding, "We came to take this measure after determining that there has been no forward-looking action amid various circumstances."

He continued, "Risks of airstrikes across Ukraine also persist," explaining that "this decision was reached after comprehensively considering all surrounding circumstances."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
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