Seoul Demands Immediate Withdrawal of North Korean Troops from Russia Amid Growing Concerns Over Their Deployment in Ukraine Conflict
By Jhuna | October 21, 2024
South Korea has summoned the Russian ambassador, urging the “immediate withdrawal” of North Korean troops believed to be training to participate in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The move follows alarming reports from Seoul’s spy agency that an estimated 1,500 North Korean soldiers, including elite special forces, have already arrived in Russia to bolster its military efforts.
In a high-stakes diplomatic meeting on Monday, South Korea’s Vice-Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun expressed Seoul’s grave concerns to the Russian Ambassador Georgiy Zinoviev. Kim denounced the deployment of North Korean soldiers to Russia, labeling it as a direct threat not only to South Korea but also to the broader international community. He warned that South Korea would “respond with all measures available” should Russia and North Korea continue such provocative actions.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise
The summoning of Ambassador Zinoviev signals the escalating tension between Seoul and Moscow, with North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine war emerging as a new flashpoint. Although Zinoviev promised to convey Seoul’s concerns to his government, he maintained that cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is “within the framework of international law.” The ambassador, however, did not confirm the allegations regarding the North Korean troops’ presence, adding ambiguity to the already murky situation.
The Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, later downplayed the concerns, stating that the collaboration between North Korea and Russia “is not directed against third countries” and “should not worry anyone.” Despite these reassurances, South Korea remains on high alert, wary of the implications this newfound military partnership may have on regional stability.
Russia-North Korea Ties Deepen
This latest development comes against the backdrop of strengthened ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, following a security pact signed in June by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The agreement, which pledges mutual assistance in the event of “aggression” against either nation, has drawn criticism from the international community. Last week, President Putin introduced a bill to ratify the pact, further cementing the alliance.
South Korea has long accused North Korea of supplying arms and ammunition to Russia, which are being used in the war against Ukraine. However, the deployment of soldiers marks a stark escalation in Pyongyang’s involvement. South Korean intelligence reports suggest that as many as 12,000 North Korean troops could be deployed to Russia in the near future. According to Vice-Foreign Minister Kim, this level of involvement “not only gravely threatens South Korea but also undermines global security.”
International Response
The situation has triggered widespread condemnation from Western allies. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called Pyongyang’s potential troop deployment a “significant escalation” in the Ukraine conflict. In a phone conversation with Rutte, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol urged NATO to explore “concrete countermeasures” and vowed to strengthen security cooperation with Ukraine and NATO.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy, who was visiting Seoul on Monday, also criticized Russia’s actions, calling them “reckless and illegal.” He added that the UK would work closely with South Korea to formulate a coordinated response. The United States and Japan echoed similar sentiments, expressing concern over the deepening military collaboration between North Korea and Russia.
China’s Stance and Regional Implications
China, a key player in regional geopolitics, remained cautious in its response. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, when asked about the North Korea-Russia cooperation, emphasized the need for all parties to de-escalate tensions and pursue a political resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Beijing’s call for diplomacy underscores its interest in maintaining stability in the region, though it remains unclear how China will navigate the growing complexities surrounding its allies.
Potential Impacts of North Korea’s Involvement
Experts have voiced differing opinions on the impact of North Korean soldiers joining Russia’s military campaign. Moon Seong-mok, a senior analyst at the Korea National Strategy Institute, believes North Korea’s participation could complicate the war by inviting further international intervention. “North Korea’s involvement could open the door for greater international participation in the conflict, potentially drawing in more countries,” Moon said. He also predicted increased sanctions and global pressure on both Russia and North Korea.
On the other hand, some analysts argue that incorporating North Korean troops into Russia’s military ranks may present significant challenges. The language barrier, lack of recent combat experience, and differences in military tactics could hinder the integration of North Korean forces into the Russian frontlines. Valeriy Ryabykh, editor of Ukraine’s Defence Express, suggested that North Korean soldiers might initially be stationed to guard sections of the Russian-Ukrainian border, freeing up Russian units for combat elsewhere. “I would rule out the possibility that these units will immediately appear on the front line,” Ryabykh said.
Uncertain Future
With no confirmation from Pyongyang regarding the deployment of its soldiers and continued ambiguity from Moscow, the exact nature of North Korea’s role in the Ukraine war remains uncertain. However, the mounting international concern suggests that this issue will continue to garner attention, particularly as it challenges established norms of military intervention and alliance-building.
As South Korea and its allies monitor the situation closely, the world waits to see whether the deployment of North Korean troops will further inflame the conflict in Ukraine or prompt new diplomatic and military responses from the international community. For now, the stage is set for further escalation, with global leaders scrambling to address the growing threat posed by this unconventional alliance between Russia and North Korea.