New South Korean agency Yonha assured that Seoul is considering the possibility of deploying a team of military personnel from intelligence units in Ukraine, following reports of North Korea’s participation in Russia’s large-scale invasion.
The Seoul government may provide armed support to Ukraine if it confirms the presence of North Korean troops in Russia. Seoul has so far only provided humanitarian aid to Kiev, but there are also reports that South Korea is indirectly sending artillery shells to Ukraine via the United States. On October 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said: North Korea is sending weapons and soldiers to Ukraine To support the Russian Army.
South Korea’s role in arms exports is increasing
Since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, South Korea’s exports of military equipment have increased significantly. One of the biggest arms deals took place in 2022 with a framework agreement. PolandAfter the start of the war in Ukraine, its value exceeded 20 billion euros.
Deployment of North Korean troops
According to the chief of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, The first group of 2,600 soldiers will be deployed to Russia’s Kursk regionWhere Ukraine controls key areas following a surprise attack in early August.
Ukrainian forces have recently advanced on the western side of the Ukrainian salient in the Kursk region, where clashes have been ongoing. Budanov said Approximately 11,000 North Korean troops are based in Russia and will be “combat-ready” in Ukraine from November 1.
According to South Korean intelligence, North Korea would send 1,500 soldiers to Russia for trainingHe described the move as the first step in joining Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
Russia’s reaction
South Korea’s foreign minister summoned Russia’s ambassador to South Korea. Georgy ZinovievFor reports on the deployment of North Korean military personnel to Russia.
The Russian Embassy in South Korea presented the event as a voluntary meeting rather than a diplomatic meeting, specifically stating: Any cooperation between Russia and North Korea is “not against the security interests” of Seoul. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskovhe also stated that cooperation between Russia and North Korea “should not cause concern” and that information about the alleged presence of North Korean troops in Russia may be “contradictory”.
Experts say the Kremlin’s efforts to reassure South Korea that cooperation with North Korea does not pose a threat to Seoul indicate that Moscow is highly concerned about the possibility of Seoul’s possible move to provide aid to Ukraine. necessary military support.
