First Summit Between Lee Jae-myung and Zelenskyy, Agreement on Humanitarian Principles for North Korean POWs

President Lee Jaemyung and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held their first summit meeting in Ankara, Türkiye, on the 8th. The two leaders agreed to resolve the issue of North Korean prisoners of war captured on the Ukrainian battlefield in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles, while respecting the free will of the individuals concerned. The Presidential Office explained that this agreement means whether the prisoners are repatriated or moved to a third country will be left to their individual choice. In effect, it establishes a principle of handling that excludes forced repatriation to North Korea and ensures personal safety. The meeting also discussed South Korea's support for Ukraine and cooperation in postwar reconstruction. President Lee explained the South Korean government's pledge of $100 million in assistance, and President Zelensky expressed gratitude for South Korea's support and said he hopes Korean companies and technology will take part in the reconstruction process. The two sides also shared views on the impact of North Korea's troop deployment to Russia and the expansion of military cooperation on security in the Korean Peninsula and Europe, and agreed to continue highlevel security communication.