In brief
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has warned that Ukraine must issue a public apology after the UN disclosed that two North Korean soldiers were moved to Seoul. Ukraine’s foreign minister described the situation as a diplomatic misunderstanding and aims to resolve it. Lee criticised the leak as a breach of Korean dignity and said further action could be taken. The sailors, part of a wider group of North Korean volunteers in Ukraine, want to return home.
South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung has issued a warning that Ukraine must publicly apologise after the UN General Assembly disclosed that two North Korean soldiers were moved to Seoul.
The move, which Ukraine claimed was a secret, angered Seoul, saying the transfer was meant to stay under the radar.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the case a “diplomatic misunderstanding” and vowed to resolve it quickly.
Lee classed the UN clip as a breach of “the dignity of the Korean people” and demanded an apology, warning that he could take “further action.”
The two soldiers are among thousands North Koreans who have fought for Russia in Ukraine and have said they want to come home.
The spat has drawn criticism at home for Lee’s handling and fueled debate whether Seoul should engage more directly with Ukraine.
