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| Russian military vehicles move on a highway in an area controlled by Russian-backed separatist forces near Mariupol, Ukraine, April 18. AP-Yonhap |
Korea's military on Monday took custody of a Marine draftee who flew to Poland without approval about a month ago apparently to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
The military police captured him upon his arrival back home earlier in the day, according to the Marine Corps.
The man, whose name was withheld from the media, left for Poland on March 21. He later attempted to enter Ukraine via the Polish border but was denied access to the war-torn country.
Korean military officials and diplomats had since tried to persuade him to return home. They could not force him to fly back home in a region outside Korea's jurisdiction.
"We will take steps in a stern manner in accordance with law and regulations, after investigating why he had left his area of duty," the Marine Corps said in a statement.
By law, active service members must get prior approval before traveling overseas during vacation. Otherwise, they can be punished for desertion.
Korea has banned its citizens from traveling to Ukraine since mid-February amid safety concerns. (Yonhap)
