South Korea Calls for Withdrawal of North Korean Troops Training in Russia
In recent diplomatic tensions, South Korea has summoned the Russian ambassador, Georgiy Zinoviev, demanding the "immediate withdrawal" of North Korean troops currently undergoing training in Russia. According to Seoul’s intelligence agency, approximately 1,500 North Korean soldiers, including special forces, have already made their way to Russia. South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun expressed firm disapproval of this move, warning that the country would utilize all available measures to respond, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
During the meeting, Ambassador Zinoviev acknowledged South Korea’s concerns but emphasized that the ongoing cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is "within the framework of international law." However, he refrained from confirming the allegations that North Korean troops are being deployed to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. This ambiguity raises questions about the nature of the cooperation mentioned, leaving many to speculate on its implications.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attempted to downplay the situation, stating that the cooperation between Russia and North Korea "is not directed against third countries" and should not induce concern, as reported by the Russian state news agency, Tass. Despite these reassurances, South Korea has long accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia for use in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, illustrating a growing alarm over the evolving military relationship between the two nations.
Reports from South Korean media suggest that as many as 12,000 North Korean soldiers could potentially be deployed, escalating threats not just to South Korea but to the broader international community. Kim Hong-kyun characterized the potential deployment as a severe threat, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Following the signing of a security pact in June between leaders Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has intensified. This agreement, which assures mutual assistance in the event of aggression, was further solidified when Putin introduced a bill to ratify the pact last week.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that North Korea’s deployment to assist Russia would signify a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. In a subsequent conversation with Rutte, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol urged the alliance to consider "concrete countermeasures" and hinted at enhancing security cooperation among South Korea, Ukraine, and NATO.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy, during his visit to Seoul, condemned Russia’s actions as "reckless and illegal," adding that the UK would collaborate with South Korea to formulate a response. The United States and Japan have joined in denouncing the strengthening military ties between North Korea and Russia.
Amidst these rising tensions, China’s foreign ministry has called for de-escalation, expressing hope that all involved parties aim for a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis. Some defense analysts speculate that North Korea’s involvement might complicate the conflict, potentially leading to greater international engagement.
Despite concerns over North Korea’s military capability, experts suggest that integrating its troops into Russian military operations might present challenges due to language barriers and a lack of recent combat experience. Some analysts propose that North Korean soldiers may be tasked with securing the Russian-Ukrainian border rather than engaging directly in frontline battles, allowing Russian forces to redeploy to critical sectors of the conflict.
As these developments unfold, the international community watches closely, anticipating further ramifications in response to the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia.
