Seoul:South Korea's president has strongly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for disclosing the transfer of two North Korean prisoners to Seoul.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Lee Jae Myung expressed that state affairs should prioritize the country's welfare rather than the interests of those in power. He highlighted the sensitivity of the prisoner transfer, emphasizing its impact on diplomacy, national security, and the Korean Peninsula.

The criticism followed Zelenskyy's announcement that Ukraine had transferred two North Korean soldiers, captured while fighting alongside Russian forces, to South Korea. Lee remarked that publicizing the transfer could harm inter-Korean relations and national interests, pointing out the importance of confidentiality in such matters.

Lee stated that those who jeopardize lives or national security for personal gain are akin to murderers or traitors. He expressed regret over Ukraine's violation of a non-disclosure agreement, emphasizing that the decision to keep the transfer confidential was mutually agreed upon.

The two North Korean soldiers were captured in Russia's Kursk region in early 2025, having been deployed to support Russian forces. Discussions between Kyiv and Seoul regarding their transfer focused on international law, humanitarian principles, and the soldiers' preferences. In July, Lee and Zelenskyy agreed to address the issue on humanitarian grounds while respecting the soldiers' wishes.