Seoul has called for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops from Russia, amid concerns that about 1,500 North Korean soldiers, including special forces, have already been sent to train for combat in Ukraine. South Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun expressed strong disapproval during a meeting with Russian Ambassador Georgiy Zinoviev, emphasizing that Seoul would respond with all available measures.
The Russian ambassador acknowledged the concerns but noted that the cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang operates within international law and did not confirm claims that North Korean forces are engaged in military operations alongside Russian troops. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reassured that such cooperation does not pose a threat to other countries.
Reports suggest that the number of North Korean soldiers being deployed could reach as high as 12,000, escalating tensions in the region. Kim Hong-kyun stated that this development poses a significant threat not only to South Korea but also to the international community at large.
The deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang have intensified following a security pact signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June, which establishes mutual assistance in cases of aggression. As part of this agreement, Putin recently proposed a bill for ratification.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted that the potential engagement of North Korean troops in Russia’s military operations would be a serious escalation of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During a phone call with Rutte, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the need for NATO to consider concrete countermeasures and indicated intentions to bolster security collaboration with Ukraine and NATO.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy characterized Russia’s actions as “reckless and illegal” during his visit to Seoul, asserting that the UK would work closely with South Korea in response. The United States and Japan have also condemned the strengthening military alliance between North Korea and Russia.
In light of the situation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called for all parties involved to engage in de-escalation efforts and sought a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis. Some defense experts have suggested that North Korea’s involvement could attract broader international participation in the conflict, increasing pressure and sanctions on both Russia and North Korea. However, there are concerns about the effective integration of North Korean troops into Russian military operations due to language barriers and the lack of recent combat experience.
Analysts, such as Valeriy Ryabykh from the Ukrainian publication Defence Express, speculate that North Korean forces might be tasked with securing sections of the Russian-Ukrainian border, allowing Russian units to be deployed to the front lines elsewhere.