South Korea says Ukraine aid will continue despite POW row

South Korea's foreign ministry said Thursday it would keep supporting Ukraine despite a diplomatic dispute over Kyiv's transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul.

A foreign ministry official said South Korea would maintain its position on providing assistance to Ukraine. The comment followed tensions sparked by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's disclosure in September that Ukraine had sent Seoul two North Korean prisoners captured while fighting for Russia.

South Korea said the operation should have remained confidential to protect the soldiers' families in North Korea. Seoul demanded an apology and recalled its ambassador to Ukraine and some embassy staff in protest.

The JoongAng Ilbo newspaper reported this week that South Korea's foreign ministry had requested about $100 million in aid for Ukraine in next year's budget, including $50 million for a NATO trust fund and $20 million in humanitarian assistance.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said in July that the country had pledged $100 million in comprehensive assistance to Ukraine at a NATO summit.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met in Paris on Wednesday for the first time since the row. Cho said he hoped outstanding issues would be resolved amicably. Sybiha said on X that Kyiv wanted to develop a “dynamic and pragmatic partnership” with Seoul and expected further steps toward full normalisation of relations.