South Korean president Li Dze Mjung called on Ukraine to admit their mistakes and make public apologies. The South Korean leader announced at the same time the anticipation of Seoul taking further action if Kiev did not address the case in the expected way. He stressed that this issue concerns prestige of the nation and stateWhich is why she can't be ignored.
I express my deep regret to Ukraine, which (...) makes a abroad state's head a liar, and called upon to admit the facts and apologies, speaks of the imminent armed clash between the North and the South, triggering the outbreak of war on the Korean Peninsula “Li added.
Zelenski leaked classified information?
The dispute is related to statements by Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrył Budanov and information provided by Volodymyr Zelenski during the UN Forum. The Ukrainian president then informed of the transfer of 2 North Korean POWs to South Korea. Budanow, on the another hand, reported that North Korean troops fighting on the Russian side are gaining experience in the war in Ukraine and expanding their military capabilities.
Information about the transfer of prisoners was met with a negative reaction by the authorities in Seoul. South Korean intelligence claimed it was the Ukrainian side that had previously requested full discretion in this case. The reason was that the disclosure of the information could make it hard for Russia to discuss the exchange of prisoners of war. However, Kiev denied the existence of a formal agreement ordering the secrecy of the transfer.
The Ukrainian abroad Minister Andrij Sybiha tried to ease the dispute. He described the situation as a diplomatic misunderstanding and pointed out that South Korea remained an crucial partner for Ukraine.
Cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang
The background of the full case is North Korea's military cooperation with Russia. Pyongyang, led by Kim Jong Un, supports Moscow in the ongoing war against Ukraine. According to Volodymyr Zelenski, Russia is taking measures to increase the size of its army, including by intensifying the recruitment of foreigners.
On 29 September, the Ukrainian president referred to the latest intelligence regarding Moscow's cooperation with Pjongjang. According to his data, there are now over 8,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia, and about 10,000 more are to be prepared by training before their possible deployment.
It is besides expected from Ukrainian intelligence that drone operators are among North Korean soldiers sent to Russia. They may be utilized to conduct attacks on targets located in Ukraine. Earlier, Zelenski besides reported that Russia may consider deploying between 30 and 50,000 North Korean soldiers in its territory.
