'Here We Go Again': Direct Criticism of President as Ukraine Faces Internal Clash Over Disclosure of North Korean POWs

Disclosure of North Korean POW Repatriation Sparks Political Debate in Ukraine
"Political Show" vs. "No Agreement"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to disclose the repatriation of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea is stirring controversy within Ukraine's political circles. While the South Korean government maintains that Ukraine broke a prior agreement to keep the prisoner transfer confidential and made an unexpected public announcement, a debate over the truth surrounding President Zelensky's actions is unfolding within Ukraine as well.

Rimo, a North Korean soldier captured by the Ukrainian military in 2024. The Asia Business Daily DB

According to Ukrainian news outlets Ukrainska Pravda and Interfax on the 25th (local time), Oksana Torop, the media advisor to Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK Valerii Zaluzhnyi, criticized President Zelensky's disclosure as a "show" in a Facebook post. She pointed out that "the problem lies in the fact that there was a confidential agreement between the two countries," and further criticized, "A show, exaggerated publicity, and dramatic effects for a dramatic scene. It’s starting again."

This means that a figure from Ambassador Zaluzhnyi's side, who is considered a political rival of President Zelensky, openly criticized the president’s actions.

In response, Dmytro Lytvyn, an advisor to President Zelensky, left a direct comment on the post, refuting Torop's remarks. He said, "There was no such (confidential) agreement. That is not true," and added, "It would also be wrong to conceal the destinations of certain prisoners." When Torop countered again, saying, "To my knowledge, such an agreement existed and the prisoner issue was part of broader cooperation negotiations with South Korea," Lytvyn replied once more, insisting, "There was no agreement to remain silent," resulting in a back-and-forth exchange in the comments.

Previously, President Zelensky had made a surprise announcement at the United Nations General Assembly on the 23rd, revealing that Ukraine had recently repatriated two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.

Subsequently, President Lee Jaemyung stated on X (formerly Twitter) on the 24th, "The issue of repatriating North Korean prisoners of war to our country is an extremely sensitive topic that has a significant impact on diplomacy, security, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula," adding, "Given the various issues that could arise from making it public, it was reasonable in every respect to keep it confidential, and such an agreement was reached." He further noted, "The Ukrainian side violated our confidential agreement and disclosed the matter. While I do not know the circumstances, it is disappointing."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.