Kyiv:South Korea has announced the recall of its ambassador from Kyiv as tensions escalate regarding the transfer of two North Korean soldiers to Seoul, deepening the diplomatic rift with Ukraine.

According to Anadolu Agency, the South Korean Foreign Ministry issued a statement confirming the decision to recall Ambassador Park Ki-chang from Ukraine. This move follows President Lee Jae Myung's warning of additional measures unless Ukraine apologizes for comments made by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the UN General Assembly. Zelenskyy had revealed that two North Korean soldiers, captured while fighting with Russian forces, were transferred to South Korea.

The transfer was initially agreed to be confidential to protect the soldiers and their families. However, unnamed Ukrainian officials denied any confidentiality agreement, prompting an angry response from Seoul. President Lee's administration has demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine over the disclosure.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the situation as a "diplomatic misunderstanding" and expressed hope for a resolution. The soldiers were captured in January 2025 in Russia's Kursk region and arrived in South Korea in September.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry expressed a desire for the smooth resolution of issues with Ukraine and intends to continue discussions. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun noted a message from his Ukrainian counterpart, which included an apology, but felt it did not meet expectations, prompting potential firm measures.

Amidst these developments, South Korea emphasized its strict enforcement of export controls on Russia following reports of significant petroleum product shipments from South Korea to Russia's Far East.