Ukraine terminates diplomatic ties with North Korea

Ukraine is terminating diplomatic relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) after Pyongyang recognised the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR).

"The Ministry strongly condemns the decision of the DPRK to recognize the so-called independence of the territories temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. We view this decision as Pyongyang's attempt to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” a message posted on the website of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine also called North Korea's move to recognise the DPR and the LPR 'miserable'. Pyongyang's decision will not have legal consequences nor will it change the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine, the message also said.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba added that Ukraine would continue to react as harshly as possible to encroachments on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On July 13, the DPRK (commonly referred to as North Korea) recognized the sovereignty and independence of the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic. DPRK's Ambassador to UN Kim Son also stated that the DPRK government fully supported Russia's position on the republics.