South Korean president discusses North Korean POWs with Ukraine, shipbuilding with Trump at NATO summit

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung engaged in high-level diplomacy at the NATO summit in Turkey, addressing sensitive issues with both Ukrainian and US leaders.

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agreed to resolve the North Korean POW issue in a manner that complies with international law and humanitarian principles while respecting the wishes of the individuals concerned.

In a significant development, Lee met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the fate of two North Korean soldiers currently detained in Ukraine. The leaders agreed to resolve the matter in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles, while crucially respecting the wishes of the individuals involved. These North Korean soldiers were reportedly deployed to Russia before being captured by Ukrainian forces and have expressed a desire to defect to South Korea.

Beyond the POW issue, President Lee also committed South Korea to participating in Ukraine's postwar reconstruction. He pledged $100 million in aid and affirmed that Seoul would support international initiatives for rebuilding the war-torn nation, while clarifying that assistance would not include lethal weaponry. This commitment was made during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

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President Lee explained that he’d seen the NATO summit as an opportunity to pledge US$100 million in wide-ranging support for Ukraine. Our government emphasized that while continuing to provide the humanitarian support needed by the Ukrainian people, we will also participate in international initiatives to restore and rebuild Ukraine.

Meanwhile, at a welcome banquet hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Lee engaged in discussions with US President Donald Trump. Trump had previously requested South Korea's assistance in building US warships. Lee reportedly promised full cooperation and highlighted South Korea's leading shipbuilding firms. The two leaders agreed to continue technical discussions on the matter and also planned for Lee to visit the US at a later date, including a round of golf.

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The two leaders agreed to continue technical discussions to review the details.

President Lee also pursued opportunities to bolster South Korea's defense industry, holding bilateral meetings with leaders of NATO member states. Additionally, discussions with NATO Secretary-General Rutte opened the door for potential talks on a basic procurement agreement, which could grant Korean companies access to NATO's joint procurement market, estimated to be worth 15 trillion won annually.

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This agreement, if reached, will pave the way for Korean companies to take part in NATO’s joint procurement market, which is expected to be worth 15 trillion won a year.