South Korea has taken a bold step by summoning the Russian ambassador to demand the “immediate withdrawal” of North Korean troops allegedly being trained to fight in Ukraine. The tension escalated as Seoul’s spy agency reported that about 1,500 North Korean soldiers, including special forces, have already arrived in Russia.
In a meeting with the Russian ambassador, South Korea’s vice-foreign minister denounced the move and warned of a strong response. The ambassador, on the other hand, emphasized that the cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is within the framework of international law, without specifying the nature of this cooperation.
The situation has raised concerns globally, with some reports suggesting that as many as 12,000 North Korean soldiers could be deployed. South Korea has long accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia for the conflict in Ukraine, but the current deployment of troops has heightened tensions.
The deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia have drawn condemnation from the United States and Japan. Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte described the potential deployment of North Korean troops as a significant escalation in the conflict.
While some experts believe that North Korea’s involvement could complicate the war and lead to increased international pressure on both countries, others argue that the Russian military may face challenges in incorporating North Korean troops due to language barriers and lack of recent combat experience.
The situation remains fluid, with uncertainties about the impact of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict. As the international community closely monitors the developments, the stakes are high for all parties involved.
