Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sparks Security Concerns for South Korea Amid Alleged Military Ties

Seoul (Sputnik) – Cooperation between Russia and North Korea is being conducted in accordance with international law and does not target South Korea’s security interests, according to a spokesperson for the Russian embassy in Seoul. The embassy representative emphasized that the relationship between the two countries follows global legal frameworks and assured it poses no direct threat to the Republic of Korea.

However, during a recent meeting, Kim Hong Kyun, South Korea’s first deputy foreign minister, expressed concerns over reports that North Korean military personnel are allegedly being deployed to Russia to assist in military operations in Ukraine. He described the close military ties between Russia and North Korea as a serious threat to not only South Korea’s security but also to the broader international community. The South Korean Foreign Ministry called this cooperation a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and the UN Charter.

Kim urged Russia to immediately cease military cooperation with North Korea and withdraw any North Korean troops involved in the conflict. He warned that South Korea would respond firmly to any actions undermining its security, working with the international community to address the potential threats. Earlier in the day, Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev was summoned by the South Korean Foreign Ministry to express their concerns and disapproval regarding the situation.