NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed concern over reports of North Korean troops joining Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, calling it a “significant escalation.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers are being prepared to join the Russian army, with the first group reportedly being deployed to Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, mentioned that close to 11,000 North Korean troops are in Russia and will likely be ready to fight in Ukraine by Nov. 1. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol also condemned the potential involvement of North Korean troops, emphasizing the interconnected security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.
While the United States has been cautious in confirming Russia’s plans to engage North Korea in the war, South Korea has raised alarms about the situation, deeming it a “grave security threat” to the international community. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) believes that North Korea may deploy four brigades totaling 12,000 soldiers to Ukraine, including special forces. Seoul has previously provided humanitarian aid to Kyiv, but reports suggest indirect support through the supply of artillery shells via the U.S. In response to the reported deployment of North Korean troops, South Korea summoned the Russian ambassador in Seoul to protest the move and called for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean forces from the conflict.
The discussion between NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted the close partnership between NATO and Seoul, as well as defense industrial cooperation. Yoon emphasized the threat posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the military alignment with North Korea, stating that it undermines the rules-based international order and threatens peace globally. The potential involvement of North Korean troops in Ukraine has raised concerns about the security implications for both the Korean Peninsula and the broader international community. While the situation is still unfolding, the joint condemnation and calls for withdrawal of North Korean forces indicate a unified stance against the escalation.
South Korea’s response to the reports of North Korean troops joining Russia’s war against Ukraine has been one of strong condemnation and calls for immediate action. The country’s National Intelligence Service has estimated the potential deployment of North Korean soldiers to Ukraine, including special forces, further heightening concerns about the situation. The alignment between Russia and North Korea in the conflict has prompted South Korea to reconsider its policy of not directly supplying weapons to Ukraine, indicating a shift in approach towards supporting Kyiv in the face of escalating tensions. The summons of the Russian ambassador in Seoul and the demand for the withdrawal of North Korean troops demonstrate South Korea’s commitment to upholding international security and peace.
The interconnected security of regions like the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific has come into focus amidst reports of North Korean troops potentially joining Russia in the war against Ukraine. The involvement of North Korean forces in Ukraine would not only escalate the conflict but also have broader implications for regional and global security. South Korea’s response to the situation reflects its alignment with NATO and international efforts to maintain a rules-based order and prevent destabilization caused by military actions. As the situation continues to evolve, diplomatic pressures and calls for the withdrawal of North Korean troops highlight the collective efforts to address the crisis and prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.
