Ukraine Calls Disclosure of North Korean POWs' Transfer to South Korea a "Closed Matter," Foreign Ministry Says "Consultations to Continue"

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said regarding the controversy over the disclosure of the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea that he considers it a "closed matter," local media reported.

According to Ukrainian media outlet RBC-Ukraine on October 12, local time, Minister Sybiha told the outlet that Ukraine transferred two North Korean POWs to South Korea as a gesture of goodwill and fulfilled all its obligations, making these remarks.

Minister Sybiha said, "Ukraine complies with the Geneva Conventions (on the treatment of prisoners of war) and respects the Constitution of South Korea, which regards North Korean prisoners of war as South Korean citizens," adding, "That is why such a decision (to transfer the North Korean POWs to South Korea) was made."

Minister Sybiha's remarks appear to be in the same vein as his previous stance, in which he virtually refused to apologize, claiming that the controversy over disclosing the North Korean POWs' transfer to South Korea stems from differences in interpreting agreements regarding confidentiality methods.

The Ukrainian side maintains the position that disclosing only the fact that the North Korean POWs were sent to South Korea—rather than the specific negotiation process or transfer methods—did not violate the agreement.

Minister Sybiha emphasized, "We have a very promising and mutually beneficial future," adding, "Diplomacy will definitely prevail in relations between the two countries, and this matter will become a thing of the past."

Regarding these remarks, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed a principled stance, stating that "the government hopes that all pending issues between the two countries will be resolved smoothly," and "to this end, we will continue consultations with the Ukrainian side."

On September 28, Cheong Wa Dae demanded an official explanation and apology, stating that Ukraine unilaterally disclosed the North Korean POWs' transfer to South Korea and even announced false claims that "there was no non-disclosure agreement."

As there was subsequently no noticeable change in Ukraine's attitude, the South Korean government recalled its ambassador to Ukraine.

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※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.