South Korea voiced serious concern on Friday over a growing defense pact between Russia and North Korea, which reportedly includes deploying North Korean troops to aid Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. This defense collaboration, labeled as a threat to global security, has triggered a strong reaction from Seoul, with calls for immediate action.
Russia-North Korea Pact and Military Assistance
On Thursday, Russia’s lower house of parliament voted unanimously to approve a treaty with North Korea promising “mutual assistance” if either nation faces an attack. This move has drawn scrutiny, particularly as South Korean and U.S. officials report an increasing presence of North Korean troops in Russia. The upper house of Russia’s parliament is expected to finalize this agreement soon.
South Korea’s Official Response
South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a direct statement on Friday, urging an “immediate withdrawal” of North Korean forces from Russia and calling for an end to their “illegal cooperation.” The statement underscored Seoul’s commitment to collaborating with international allies to address the growing military ties between Russia and North Korea, stressing the importance of a united front to mitigate escalating threats.
President Yoon’s Warning and Potential Shift on Arms Support
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol condemned the North Korean troop presence in Russia, denouncing it as a “provocation that threatens global security.” At a press conference following talks with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Yoon highlighted the importance of countermeasures, suggesting South Korea may reconsider its stance on supplying Ukraine with weapons. This would mark a significant policy shift, as Seoul has thus far refrained from directly providing lethal aid.
“If North Korea dispatches special forces to aid Russia in Ukraine, we will support Ukraine in phases and consider additional measures for the Korean Peninsula’s security,” Yoon emphasized. He added that South Korea’s stance on lethal weapons could shift based on the extent of North Korean involvement.
Reports of North Korean Troops in Russia
U.S. and South Korean officials reported on Wednesday that up to 3,000 North Korean troops had been observed in multiple Russian locations. Ukrainian intelligence further indicated that North Korean forces trained in Russia have already been deployed to the Kursk region, a site of significant conflict near Ukraine’s border.
Putin’s Position on Defense Alliance with North Korea
At the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin deflected questions about North Korean troop movements, despite satellite imagery suggesting a buildup. In June, Putin had signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit to Pyongyang, strengthening ties between the two nations. When asked about North Korean military involvement, Putin stated it was Russia’s decision on how to enact the mutual defense clause, showing no intention to reverse the alliance.
North Korea’s Denial of Troop Deployment Claims
On Monday, North Korea’s United Nations mission dismissed allegations of sending troops to Russia, calling them “groundless, stereotyped rumors.” The official statement refrained from elaborating on military cooperation but maintained that claims of troop deployment were unfounded.
Implications for Regional and Global Security
This evolving defense pact between Russia and North Korea has heightened concerns, with South Korea pledging to coordinate with international partners to address what it sees as a serious threat. President Yoon’s warning marks a potential pivot for South Korea’s role in aiding Ukraine, signaling a possible escalation in global response if North Korean military activities in Russia intensify.
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