South Korea says Zelenskyy’s revelation of a secret POW transfer was likely a play for more support
South Korea’s spy agency said the disclosure was meant to rally support for more aid to Ukraine, after protests and apology demands followed.
- During a speech last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed the transfer of two North Korean POWs to South Korea, a revelation that stunned Seoul and drew strong protests.
- South Korea's National Intelligence Service assessed that Zelenskyy likely disclosed the transfer to generate public support in Seoul for providing Ukraine with weapons and other assistance.
- The two North Korean POWs arrived in South Korea in mid-September seeking resettlement, while intelligence reports estimate about 9,000 North Korean soldiers were engaged in surveillance operations in the Kursk region.
- Seoul demanded an apology for violating a nondisclosure agreement, though lawmaker Yoo Yeong-ha confirmed Ukraine has offered no expression of regret through any official or unofficial channels.
- Experts warn the transfer could trigger protests from Pyongyang and undermine efforts to restart talks between North Korea and the United States, straining traditionally good relations.
15 Articles
15 Articles
The case of a transfer of North Korean prisoners captured in Ukraine tends to the relations between Kiev and Seoul. While their return to South Korea was to remain secret, President Volodymyr Zelensky did not hesitate to reveal the case, causing anger among some South Koreans, who denounce a maneuver to get their country to supply weapons to Ukraine.
SOUTH KOREAN intelligence has said that a recent controversial move by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was aimed at winning public support in the Asian democracy for more aid to Ukraine.
Associated Press News
South Korea says Zelenskyy's revelation of a secret POW transfer was likely a play for more support
South Korea’s spy agency says Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent disclosure of a secret transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea was likely intended to gain public support for Ukraine.
Zelensky may have disclosed North Korean transfer to boost Seoul arms support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may have revealed the transfer of North Korean POWs to encourage South Korea to provide military aid to Ukraine, according to South Korea’s intelligence agency.
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