South Korea is demanding the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops from Russia, following reports that approximately 1,500 North Korean soldiers have been deployed there for training to assist in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The concerns were raised during a meeting between South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun and Russian Ambassador Georgiy Zinoviev, where Kim condemned the military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
South Korea’s intelligence agency indicated that special forces from North Korea were among those sent to Russia. In response, South Korea’s government summoned the Russian ambassador, insisting on the troops’ urgent removal. Zinoviev acknowledged the issue but emphasized that the cooperation is compliant with international law, without confirming any reports regarding troop deployment.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reassured that the collaboration is “not directed against third countries” and should not be a cause for concern. North Korea has remained silent on these allegations, while South Korea has long accused the North of providing weaponry to Russia for its military efforts in Ukraine.
Reports suggest that the number of North Korean soldiers deployed could reach as high as 12,000, raising alarms in Seoul about the potential threat this poses not just to South Korea, but to the wider international community. During a call with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the need for concrete countermeasures to address the situation and strengthen ties with Ukraine and NATO.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy, currently in Seoul, criticized Russia’s maneuvers as “reckless and illegal” and pledged cooperation with South Korea in response. The United States and Japan have also condemned the increasing military partnership between North Korea and Russia.
Chinese officials have called for all parties to pursue de-escalation and a political resolution regarding the Ukraine crisis, while defense experts have warned that North Korea’s involvement could complicate the conflict further by expanding international engagement. However, some analysts believe that logistical challenges, including language barriers and the inexperience of North Korean troops in modern combat, may limit their effectiveness on the battlefield. There is speculation that these soldiers may primarily serve in support roles rather than directly engaging in frontline battles.