South Korea has summoned the Russian ambassador over North Korea’s alleged dispatch of soldiers to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed grave concerns and called for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean forces. Approximately 1,500 special forces soldiers have already arrived in Russia, with more expected to depart soon. Seoul has long accused North Korea of providing weapons to Russia, and a military deal was signed between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin in June. Any military cooperation between North Korea and Russia violates UN Security Council resolutions.
The South Korean spy agency released satellite images showing the arrival of North Korean troops in Vladivostok. Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun condemned North Korea’s illegal military cooperation and stated that all available means will be mobilized against actions threatening core security interests. The Russian embassy stated that their cooperation with North Korea does not aim to harm South Korea’s security.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has urged NATO to take concrete countermeasures against the growing Russian-North Korean cooperation. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called Russia’s actions reckless and illegal and stated that London would work with Seoul to respond. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Pyongyang of preparing to send 10,000 soldiers to Russia, prompting a call for a strong international reaction.
The United States expressed concern over the reports of North Korean troops fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine, calling it a dangerous development. NATO has not confirmed the North Korean troop deployment, but NATO chief Mark Rutte stated that it could mark a significant escalation in the conflict. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and preparing to respond accordingly.
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