South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has threatened unspecified measures against Ukraine unless Kyiv acknowledges a confidentiality agreement on two North Korean prisoners of war and issues an apology, Reuters reported on October 2.

The two soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting for Russia. Seoul says the men should be handled under the confidential agreement.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the row a “diplomatic misunderstanding” and said Kyiv had proposed talks to resolve it.

The soldiers are reportedly held in Ukraine. Seoul has pressed for their transfer to South Korea.

The dispute adds tension to an already complex relationship. South Korea has supplied aid to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Analysts say any punitive action would be unusual between the two partners. Ukraine has not said whether it will apologise.

Seoul’s presidential office said the threat followed what it called Ukraine’s breach of an understanding on the prisoners. Officials said South Korea expects a formal apology before ties return to normal. The two North Koreans were captured while fighting alongside Russian forces, Seoul said.