Seoul recalls ambassador to Ukraine over North Korean soldiers dispute

South Korea said it would recall its ambassador to Ukraine in response to a dispute centered on North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war. The decision marks a significant diplomatic setback between the two countries, which have maintained close security and military cooperation.

The disagreement centers on the status and handling of North Korean personnel captured or detained during military operations. South Korea has expressed concerns about how these individuals are being treated and processed by Ukrainian authorities, with implications for Seoul's intelligence operations and broader security interests in the region.

The recall reflects broader concerns in South Korea about the expanding military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Hundreds of North Korean troops have been reported fighting in Russian units, representing a significant escalation in the two countries' partnership and drawing strong condemnation from Seoul and Western allies.

South Korea has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion, providing humanitarian aid and military equipment while maintaining a ban on direct lethal weapons transfers. The diplomatic rift suggests strains in the relationship as differing approaches to military detainees and wartime protocols emerge.