N. Korea says purported troop deployment to Russia would ‘conform’ with international law

North Korea Denies Deploying Troops to Russia, Says Any Deployment would be Legal

News Reports Emerge of Possible Deployment

SEOUL, South Korea has accused North Korea of sending thousands of troops to Russia, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saying they could be sent into battle as early as Sunday. However, North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jong Gyu has denied the claims, stating that any troop deployment would be in line with international law.

Denial from North Korean Official

According to the official Korean Central News Agency, Kim Jong Gyu issued a statement, saying, "If there is such a thing that the world media is talking about, I think it will be an act conforming with the regulations of international law." This statement comes as a response to reports that the North has sent thousands of troops to Russia, a claim that has been denied by North Korea’s representatives at the United Nations.

Chance of Deployment Unclear

It is unclear whether North Korea has actually deployed troops to Russia, with officials from Seoul and Washington accusing the North of sending significant numbers of soldiers across the border. The claims have been supported by videos circulating online, showing what appear to be North Korean soldiers in Russian uniforms at military bases in the Far East.

South Korea Reacts

South Korea has slammed the potential deployment, calling on Russia to stop "illegal cooperation" with Pyongyang. The government has warned that it would review its stance on providing weapons directly to Ukraine in its war with Russia. Under domestic policy, Seoul does not sell weaponry into active conflict zones, although the country has already sold billions of dollars of tanks, howitzers, attack aircraft, and rocket launchers to Poland, a key ally of Kyiv.

Conclusion

The situation remains unclear, with both sides denying and confirming the deployment. While North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister has denied the claims, the videos circulating online suggest that there may be some truth to the reports. The international community remains vigilant, watching to see if further confirmations of the deployment emerge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is North Korea deploying troops to Russia? The North has denied sending troops to Russia, but some reports suggest that it may be doing so in secret.
2. What has been said by North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister? Kim Jong Gyu has stated that any deployment would be in line with international law.
3. What is the reaction from South Korea? South Korea has slammed the potential deployment, calling on Russia to stop "illegal cooperation" with Pyongyang and warning that it would review its stance on providing weapons directly to Ukraine.
4. What has been sold to Ukraine in the past? Seoul has sold billions of dollars worth of military equipment to Poland, a key ally of Ukraine, but under domestic policy, it does not sell weaponry into active conflict zones.