The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →South Korea says Ukraine broke a confidentiality understanding by publicly disclosing that it had transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to Seoul. Ukraine denies that such an agreement existed. The dispute had escalated by October 2, 2026, with Seoul seeking an apology and warning of additional measures, while the two governments continued discussing a possible statement.
What happened to the two North Korean prisoners?
Ukrainian forces captured the two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025, while they were fighting alongside Russian forces. After months of discussions, Ukraine transferred them to South Korea in mid-September 2026, according to reporting on a South Korean intelligence briefing. The exact transfer date, route and full terms have not been established in the reporting reviewed.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed the transfer in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly on September 23. South Korea’s initial public response emphasized the soldiers’ free will, international law, humanitarian principles and safety. Seoul says the men wanted to resettle in South Korea and that their wishes were verified more than once. The Associated Press reported that the soldiers had said in interviews while in Ukraine that they wanted to go there.
Why does Seoul say Ukraine should have kept the transfer secret?
South Korea says both sides understood that the transfer would remain confidential. Its stated reason for secrecy was to protect the soldiers and their families from possible danger if the men’s decision to go to South Korea became public.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Seoul’s National Intelligence Service, in an account relayed by lawmakers to Yonhap, said Ukraine first requested confidentiality and that discussions took place through multiple channels. The agency did not establish whether the two countries’ presidents had personally agreed to secrecy. South Korea says it has written records supporting its position, but the records have not been made public in the reporting reviewed.
What does Ukraine say, and what remains disputed?
Kyiv denies that a confidentiality agreement existed. That leaves the core issue unresolved: Seoul says there was a shared understanding, while Ukraine rejects the claim that it agreed to keep the transfer secret. The accounts available publicly do not settle whether the parties reached an agreement, what its precise terms were or who had authority to make it.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
There may also have been political sensitivity in Ukraine around the transfer. Ukrainian officials have reportedly been concerned about criticism that Kyiv gave up a possible opportunity to exchange the men for Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia. That explanation has been reported as a concern, not established as the motive of every official involved.
How serious is the diplomatic rift?
South Korea’s position hardened after the initial disagreement. On October 2, President Lee warned of “additional measures” if Ukraine continued to deny the agreement and refuse an official apology. Seoul’s foreign ministry said the foreign ministers were discussing the content and tone of a possible announcement, potentially including an apology, but had not agreed on its wording or scope.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
As of the latest reported developments on October 2, no completed apology or final settlement had been announced. Seoul also said it would not link the POW dispute to other cooperation, including humanitarian aid and postwar reconstruction. The status could change as talks continue.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do free choice and humanitarian law fit in?
A 2025 report by a UN Special Rapporteur, published before this transfer, says prisoners of war should be informed of their options and the risks associated with them so they can decide freely. It discusses transfer to a third country and asylum as possible routes. It also says forced return where there is a real risk of torture or other severe rights violations could raise non-refoulement concerns.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The report supplies general human-rights and legal context; it does not rule on the 2026 transfer or resolve the dispute between Seoul and Kyiv. It also says Ukraine had told the Rapporteur that UN and International Committee of the Red Cross representatives had been given access.
South Korea regards North Koreans as citizens under its constitutional framework and has a policy of accepting North Korean defectors, the Associated Press reported. But that status alone does not explain the dispute: the governments’ stated concerns also encompass the soldiers’ individual choice and safety, potential risks to their families, the alleged confidentiality understanding and wartime diplomacy.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Why could the dispute matter beyond the POWs?
South Korea and Ukraine have interests that extend beyond this disagreement. Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, told the Associated Press on October 2 that Ukraine has valuable intelligence on Russia–North Korea military cooperation and battlefield experience, particularly with drones, that could contribute to South Korean security. That is an expert assessment of the broader relationship, not an official commitment or evidence that Seoul will change its policy.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
