The President of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol, expressed his concern about what he considers an "illegal military cooperation" between North Korea and Russia, following reports that North Korean troops were deployed in Russia. These events were described as a "major threat" to the security of both his country and the international community in general.
During a Cabinet meeting, Yoon stated: "This illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a major threat to the security of the international community and could also pose a serious risk to our national security." His remarks came after North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui traveled to Russia for an official visit, according to North Korean state news agency KCNA.
Yoon urged an assessment of all possibilities and to prepare countermeasures in response to the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte was also informed about the presence of North Korean soldiers in the Russian region of Kursk, near the border with Ukraine.
In a phone call with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Yoon warned about the possibility of troops being moved to the front line earlier than expected. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has neither confirmed nor denied the deployment, he has emphasized the importance of the "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty signed between Russia and North Korea in June.
It is noted that North Korea and Russia have been strengthening their military and other forms of cooperation. In June, Kim Jong-un and Putin held a summit in Pyongyang, where they signed the aforementioned treaty that includes a mutual defense clause. The North Korean Foreign Minister visited Russia in September and traveled to Moscow in January to meet with Putin.
