Seoul to reduce Ukraine embassy presence amid North Korean soldier row

South Korea said it would pull more personnel from its embassy in Ukraine, escalating tensions between Seoul and Kyiv over the handling of North Korean soldiers captured or defected during the ongoing conflict. The decision comes after Ukraine revealed that two North Korean military personnel had been transferred to South Korea, a disclosure that angered South Korean officials who were not consulted beforehand. Seoul officials expressed frustration at being kept in the dark about the transfer and the subsequent public announcement, viewing the move as a breach of diplomatic protocol. The incident underscores growing friction between the allies despite South Korea's significant military and humanitarian support for Ukraine. While South Korea has provided substantial aid to Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion, the two nations have occasionally clashed over operational matters and information-sharing protocols. The embassy staff reduction signals Seoul's displeasure and suggests the diplomatic rift may take time to repair. The exact number of personnel to be withdrawn has not been specified, though officials indicated the pullback would be phased in response to security and operational concerns related to the ongoing conflict in the region.