South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a diplomatic note to Ukraine demanding an official apology for the way North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) have been dealt with since their capture during the ongoing conflict in eastern Europe. The request, reported by Al Jazeera, follows reports that several North Korean nationals, who were fighting alongside Russian forces, were detained by Ukrainian authorities earlier this year.
Seoul’s statement argues that the handling of the detainees contravenes provisions of the Geneva Conventions, which require humane treatment and prompt repatriation of POWs. The South Korean government also called for the immediate return of the captives to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, emphasizing that their continued detention could exacerbate regional tensions.
Ukraine’s defence ministry has responded that the prisoners are being held in accordance with international humanitarian law and that any allegations of mistreatment are being investigated. Kyiv maintains that the detainees are subject to standard procedures for captured combatants and that their status will be reviewed by the appropriate legal bodies.
The issue has drawn attention to the broader involvement of North Korean troops in the Russian‑Ukrainian war, a development that has raised concerns among several nations about the use of foreign mercenaries. South Korea, which has long opposed the deployment of its citizens abroad in armed conflicts, sees the matter as a test of compliance with established war‑time norms.
Analysts note that the diplomatic exchange underscores the complex interplay between the Korean Peninsula’s security dynamics and the European theatre of war. While Seoul seeks to protect the rights of its compatriots and uphold international law, Kyiv balances its military objectives with the need to maintain diplomatic relations with allies in the region.
The situation remains fluid, with both governments indicating that further dialogue will be pursued to resolve the dispute and ensure that the treatment of the prisoners aligns with global standards.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/28/why-south-korea-is-demanding-an-apology-from-ukraine-over-north-korean-pows?traffic_source=rss.