South Korea Pulls Eight Diplomats From Ukraine Over POW Row

South Korea has withdrawn eight diplomats from Ukraine amid a dispute over Kyiv's disclosure of information about the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war, Yonhap news agency reports, citing Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.

"Eight people have been withdrawn so far," Cho said, adding that the withdrawal was unavoidable. He also noted that despite the partial recall he continues to communicate with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to resolve the issue.

How the dispute began

In mid-October South Korea decided to recall part of its diplomatic staff from Ukraine, citing the absence, in Seoul's view, of positive steps from Kyiv to settle the dispute over the disclosure of information on the transfer of two North Korean POWs, as well as the threat of Russian air strikes.

Dmytro Lytvyn, adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky on communications, denied that Ukraine had violated an agreement with South Korea. The administration of the Korean president nevertheless demanded official explanations and an apology from Ukraine over the disclosure.

The row comes while Ukraine seeks partners' support in a long war. More diplomatic news is in our World section.