The Ukrainian diplomatic authorities stated regarding the South Korean government's plan to recall its ambassador to Ukraine that "diplomacy must prevail over emotions."

According to the English version of a statement provided by Ukrainian authorities from MFA Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhy on October 8 (local time), Tykhy said, "Despite the South Korean government's decision to recall its ambassador to Ukraine, we remain open to resuming constructive dialogue even if it takes time."

He added, "To seek a constructive solution, we invited the South Korean ambassador to Ukraine to the Foreign Ministry this week to convey Ukraine's position."

This is effectively equivalent to a diplomatic "summoning," though a softened expression appears to have been used considering the sensitivity of the issue.

The Ukrainian government has shown differences in position and put forth contrasting claims regarding whether there was a private agreement on sending North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.

According to local media, Spokesperson Tykhy stated in a briefing the previous day that "the cause of the public exchange of criticisms between the two countries lies in the difference in interpretation of the agreement regarding confidentiality methods."

This repeated the previous stance that disclosing only the fact that North Korean prisoners of war were sent to South Korea—rather than the specific agreement process or transfer method—did not violate the agreement.

Regarding Foreign Minister Cho Hyun's remarks that a message of apology was conveyed through diplomatic channels, he responded by stating, "We expressed regret that the situation reached the stage of exchanging critical remarks."

This is interpreted as emphasizing the in-principle stance of "expressing regret" without either confirming or denying whether an apology was made.

This appears to be the reason why Minister Cho explained during a parliamentary audit on October 6 that while the Ukrainian side offered an apology, it fell short of the South Korean government's expectations.

Spokesperson Tykhy also said, "The situation has reached the stage of exchanging public remarks, and this is unnecessary for anyone," adding that "diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation are underway through private channels."

He further added, "Remarks that could hinder a diplomatic solution are inappropriate."

Meanwhile, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on this day, "We expect all pending issues between the two countries to be smoothly resolved, and we will continue consultations with the Ukrainian side toward that end."