Seoul Summons Russian Ambassador to Protest North Korean Troops in Ukraine
Seoul, South Korea
South Korea’s foreign ministry has summoned the Russian ambassador to protest Pyongyang’s decision to send thousands of soldiers to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine. The ministry is urging for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean forces, citing concerns over the violation of Security Council resolutions and potential threat to regional security.
Deployment of North Korean Troops
According to Seoul’s spy agency, about 1,500 North Korean special forces soldiers have already arrived in Russia and are acclimatising, with additional troops set to depart soon. These troops are expected to be deployed to the front lines of the Ukraine conflict after completing acclimatisation training.
Kim Jong Un’s Motives
Experts believe that North Korea’s leaders are seeking to acquire military technologies, including surveillance satellites and submarines, in exchange for military cooperation with Russia. Cheong Seong-chang, director of the Korean peninsula strategy at Sejong Institute, stated, "In return for sending soldiers to help Russia in Ukraine, ‘Kim Jong Un is aiming to acquire military technologies, ranging from surveillance satellites to submarines’."
Regional Reactions
The international community has been divided over the issue, with the United States urging South Korea to take concrete actions to address the situation. Seoul’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has spoken to NATO chief Mark Rutte, urging the alliance to take "concrete countermeasures" against growing Russia-North Korea cooperation. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has described the deployment as "a significant escalation" in the conflict.
United Kingdom’s Position
British Foreign Minister David Lammy has termed Russia’s actions "reckless and illegal", and has pledged to work with Seoul to respond to the situation. He has also expressed concerns over the potential impact on global security, stating, "Russia’s actions pose a significant threat to global stability and security."
Conclusion
The situation is a complex and delicate one, with multiple actors and interests at play. While Seoul has urged Russia to withdraw its North Korean allies, Moscow has maintained its positions, stating that the cooperation is not directed against the interests of South Korea’s security. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to monitor developments closely and ensure that the interests of all parties involved are respected.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the purpose of North Korea’s military presence in Ukraine?
The purpose is to provide military support to Russia in its war in Ukraine in exchange for military technologies and possibly other benefits. -
How many North Korean troops are deployed in Ukraine?
About 1,500 North Korean special forces soldiers are currently deployed, with additional troops expected to follow. -
How has the international community reacted to the situation?
The international community has been divided, with some countries, like the United States, urging South Korea to take concrete actions to address the situation, while others, like Russia, have maintained that the cooperation is not directed against the interests of South Korea’s security. - What is South Korea’s stance on the situation?
Seoul has strongly criticized North Korea’s decision, calling for the immediate withdrawal of its troops and for Russia to cease its cooperation with Pyongyang.