South Korea Demands Immediate Withdrawal of North Korean Troops in Russia

(“Euronews, 2024”) 

South Korea has summoned the Russian ambassador, demanding the “immediate withdrawal” of North Korean troops allegedly deployed to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. The action follows claims from South Korea’s intelligence agency that approximately 1,500 North Korean soldiers, including special forces, have already been dispatched to Russia. 

South Korea’s vice foreign Minister, Kim Hong-Kyun, met with Russian ambassador Georgiy Zinoviev, where he denounced North Korea’s involvement and warned of potential repercussions. “This not only gravely threatens south Korea but also the international community”, Kim said. He emphasized that Seoul will “respond with all measures available” to address the issue. 

While Ambassador Zinoviev promised to relay South Korea’s concerns, he reiterated that the cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang remains within the boundaries of international law, denying any threat to South Korea’s security. However, the Russian government has yet to confirm the deployment of North Korean troops, and North Korea has remained silent on the matter. 

The growing military ties between Russia and North Korea have alarmed several nations. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called the situation a “significant escalation” in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, warning of potential international repercussions. President Yook Suk Yeol of South Korea has urged NATO to explore countermeasures, while British foreign minister David Lammy, currently visiting Seoul, called Russia’s actions “reckless and illegal.” 

The intelligence reports also suggest that North Korea could be preparing to send as many as 12,000 troops to support Russia’s efforts in Ukraine. While experts debate the effectiveness of North Korea’s involvement (given the language barriers and lack of recent combat experience) some fear it could complicate the war and draw in further international participants. 

China, in response to the situation, urged all parties to de-escalate and pursue a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis. 

The deployment marks the deepening alliance between Russia and North Korea, with the two countries having signed a security pact in June 2024, promising mutual support in the face of external aggression. Last week, Russian president Vladimir Putin introduced a bill to solidify their military cooperation. 

As tensions rise, the world is closely watching the potential for increased sanctions and pressure on both Moscow and Pyongyang. 

Works cited: 

Ng, Kelly. Seoul Demands North Korean Troops Leave Russia Immediately. 21 Oct. 2024, www.bbc.com/news/articles/c625p2wy3q7o. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024. 

‌ KIM, HYUNG-JIN. “South Korea Calls for Immediate Withdrawal of North Korean Troops Allegedly in Russia.” AP News, 21 Oct. 2024, apnews.com/article/north-south-korea-russia-ukraine-27780e4b672ee638b96099ec5f5168e4. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024. 

‌ “France Concerned by Reports of North Korean Troops in Ukraine.” Euronews, Euronews.com, 18 Oct. 2024, www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/10/18/france-worried-by-reports-of-north-korean-troops-sent-to-fight-with-russia-in-ukraine. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024. 

Ketrin Jochecová. “Get North Korean Troops out of Putin’s War Now, Seoul Warns Moscow.” POLITICO, 21 Oct. 2024, www.politico.eu/article/north-korea-troops-out-of-russia-now-south-korea-warns-moscow-war/. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024. 

‌McCurry, Justin. “South Korea Summons Russian Envoy over North Korean Troop Deployment.” The Guardian, The Guardian, 21 Oct. 2024, www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/21/south-korea-summons-russian-envoy-over-north-korean-troop-deployment. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024. 

‌ King, Jordan. “North Korean Troops Deserting Ukraine Frontline Days after Arrival: Report.” Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2024, www.newsweek.com/north-korean-troops-deserting-ukraine-frontline-hours-after-arrival-report-1969726. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024. 

‌ Isaac Yee, Victoria Butenko and Niamh Kennedy, CNN “North Korean troops seen being equipped in Russia ahead of likely deployment to Ukraine”, Accessed 21 Oct. 2024 

Rothwell, James. “What Ukraine Should Expect from North Korean Special Forces on the Battlefield.” The Telegraph, 19 Oct. 2024, www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/10/19/ukraine-russia-war-north-korea-special-forces-zelensky/. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024. 

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