By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
In a move that has heightened tensions across the region, South Korea has called for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean soldiers allegedly sent to Russia. Reports suggest that approximately 1,500 North Korean troops, including elite special forces, have already arrived in Russia to support its war effort in Ukraine. Seoul’s spy agency claims that more soldiers may be deployed soon, raising concerns of North Korea’s deeper involvement in the ongoing conflict.
On Monday, South Korea's Vice-Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun summoned the Russian Ambassador to Seoul, Georgiy Zinoviev, to formally protest this alleged development. Kim strongly condemned the reported deployment and urged for the "immediate withdrawal" of North Korean personnel from Russia. He emphasized that the situation poses a serious threat not only to South Korea but also to the broader international community.
In response, Ambassador Zinoviev said he would relay Seoul’s concerns to Moscow but reiterated that the cooperation between Russia and North Korea is “within the framework of international law.” However, he did not confirm or deny the allegations of North Korean troops being deployed to Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later downplayed the concerns, stating that the cooperation between Russia and North Korea "is not directed against third countries" and "should not worry anyone." These statements, however, have done little to ease the growing anxieties in South Korea and its allies.
The close ties between Russia and North Korea have been under increased scrutiny in recent months, particularly since the signing of a security pact between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June 2024. This agreement binds the two nations to assist each other in the event of foreign "aggression." Recently, Putin introduced a bill to ratify this pact, further formalizing the strategic relationship between the two countries. South Korea has long accused North Korea of supplying weapons to aid Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. However, the involvement of troops marks a significant escalation. Some reports in South Korean media speculate that as many as 12,000 North Korean soldiers could be deployed to assist Russia, raising concerns about the implications for regional security.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has already reached out to NATO, calling for "concrete countermeasures" in response to this development. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has expressed concerns, noting that North Korea’s direct involvement could further escalate the Ukraine conflict. Yoon also emphasized his commitment to strengthening security ties between South Korea, NATO, and Ukraine to counter these developments. The potential involvement of North Korean troops in the war in Ukraine has prompted strong reactions from the international community. British Foreign Minister David Lammy, during a visit to Seoul, condemned Russia's actions as "reckless and illegal," while pledging continued support to South Korea. The United States and Japan have also issued condemnations, signaling that North Korea’s alignment with Russia could lead to increased international pressure on both nations.
Defense analysts are divided on the impact of North Korea's involvement in the conflict. Some, like Moon Seong-mok from the Korea National Strategy Institute, believe that Pyongyang’s participation could complicate the war by potentially drawing in more international actors. "The international community will likely increase sanctions and pressure on both Russia and North Korea," he said, although it remains uncertain whether this will benefit either country. Others, like Ukrainian defense expert Valeriy Ryabykh, argue that North Korean troops are unlikely to play a significant role on the front lines. Instead, they could be tasked with guarding sections of the Russian-Ukrainian border, freeing up Russian units for combat. Ryabykh also pointed to practical challenges, such as the language barrier and the lack of recent combat experience among North Korean soldiers.
As North Korea and Russia continue to deepen their military cooperation, concerns about the implications for regional and global security are growing. South Korea's demand for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops underscores the seriousness of the situation. With the potential for further escalation, the international community is watching closely to see how this new dynamic will affect the broader conflict in Ukraine and the stability of the Korean Peninsula.
