South Korea Demands Immediate Withdrawal of N Korean Troops from Russia

South Korea has taken a firm stance against the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, summoning the Russian ambassador, Georgiy Zinoviev, to express its concerns. South Korea’s vice-foreign minister, Kim Hong-kyun, emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling for the “immediate withdrawal” of approximately 1,500 North Korean soldiers, including special forces, who are reportedly receiving training to fight in Ukraine.

During the meeting, Kim condemned the military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang and warned of potential repercussions, stating that Seoul would “respond with all measures available.” In response, Ambassador Zinoviev acknowledged the concerns but maintained that the cooperation between Russia and North Korea is conducted “within the framework of international law.” This exchange highlights escalating tensions in the region and underscores South Korea’s commitment to addressing perceived threats to its security.

The situation surrounding North Korean troops in Russia remains ambiguous, with the Russian ambassador, Georgiy Zinoviev, refraining from confirming the deployment allegations. North Korea has also not issued a statement regarding its military cooperation with Russia, leaving many questions unanswered.

South Korea Raises Alarm Over Potential Deployment of 12,000 North Korean Troops

South Korea has long accused the North of supplying weapons to Russia for the Ukraine conflict, but officials now assert that the situation has escalated beyond mere arms transfers. Reports suggest that as many as 12,000 North Korean soldiers could potentially be deployed, which South Korea’s vice-foreign minister, Kim Hong-kyun, described as a severe threat not only to South Korea but to the international community as a whole.

The military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has intensified since the signing of a security pact in June, wherein both nations pledged mutual support in the face of external aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken steps to ratify this pact, signaling a deepening alliance.

In light of these developments, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed that the involvement of North Korean troops would represent a significant escalation in the conflict. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for NATO to consider concrete countermeasures and emphasized the importance of strengthening security cooperation among South Korea, Ukraine, and NATO.

British Foreign Minister David Lammy, currently visiting Seoul, labeled Russia’s actions as “reckless and illegal,” and assured that London would collaborate with Seoul in response to the situation. The United States and Japan have echoed these sentiments, condemning the growing military ties between North Korea and Russia.

Chinese officials have urged all parties to work towards de-escalation and seek a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis. Some defense experts caution that North Korea’s involvement could complicate the conflict, potentially inviting greater international participation and increased sanctions against both Russia and North Korea.

However, there are concerns about the practical integration of North Korean troops into Russian military operations. Experts note challenges such as language barriers and the lack of recent combat experience within the North Korean army. It has been suggested that these soldiers may primarily serve in defensive roles, such as guarding the Russian-Ukrainian border, allowing Russian units to be redeployed to the front lines.