South Korea recalled its ambassador from Ukraine, but will continue to support Kiev and maintain sanctions against Russia - Yonhap South Korean authorities said that the diplomatic dispute with Ukraine over the return of North Korean prisoners of war will not affect Seoul's general policy towards Kiev. This was announced by the head of South Korea's National Security Agency, in a briefing on October 30. According to him, the reason for the disagreement was the violation of confidential agreements by the Ukrainian side. Seoul believes that in order to restore trust, it is necessary to establish all the circumstances of the incident. In connection with the situation, South Korea recalled its ambassador from Ukraine and removed part of the staff of the diplomatic mission. Authorities also took security issues into account when making their decision. "Regardless of this situation, as a responsible member of the international community, we will continue to participate in international efforts to support Ukraine," Wi Son Lak said. He emphasized that even in Seoul there is no intention to change the policy of sanctions and restrictions on exports towards Russia. He said South Korea has consistently implemented these measures since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, despite the economic costs to its citizens and companies. South Korea's presidential administration has indicated that prolonging the diplomatic conflict is not desirable for Seoul. The parties continue to consult to find a way out of the situation. In the same briefing, South Korean authorities said they were considering expanding the activities of the Chungha Naval Unit to ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Seoul emphasized that it does not intend to participate in military operations in the Middle East.

South Korea recalled its ambassador from Ukraine, but will continue to support Kiev and maintain sanctions against Russia - Yonhap South Korean authorities said that the diplomatic dispute with Ukraine over the return of North Korean prisoners of war will not affect Seoul's general policy towards Kiev. This was announced by the head of South Korea's National Security Agency, in a briefing on October 30. According to him, the reason for the disagreement was the violation of confidential agreements by the Ukrainian side. Seoul believes that in order to restore trust, it is necessary to establish all the circumstances of the incident. In connection with the situation, South Korea recalled its ambassador from Ukraine and removed part of the staff of the diplomatic mission. Authorities also took security issues into account when making their decision. "Regardless of this situation, as a responsible member of the international community, we will continue to participate in international efforts to support Ukraine," Wi Son Lak said. He emphasized that even in Seoul there is no intention to change the policy of sanctions and restrictions on exports towards Russia. He said South Korea has consistently implemented these measures since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, despite the economic costs to its citizens and companies. South Korea's presidential administration has indicated that prolonging the diplomatic conflict is not desirable for Seoul. The parties continue to consult to find a way out of the situation. In the same briefing, South Korean authorities said they were considering expanding the activities of the Chungha Naval Unit to ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Seoul emphasized that it does not intend to participate in military operations in the Middle East.