South korea urges North Korea to halt support for Russia

Yonhap informed that the minister conveyed the government's position and expressed regret over North Korea sending soldiers to support Russia in the war with Ukraine.

Zinoviev, who left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building around 2 PM local time (8 AM Eastern Time), confirmed that he spoke with the deputy minister but declined to comment.

The Russian diplomat was summoned to the ministry in June regarding the strategic partnership treaty between North Korea and Russia, signed by Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin. The document includes an article providing mutual assistance in the event of external aggression.

South Korean intelligence services confirmed on October 18 that Pyongyang sent about 1,500 soldiers to the Russian Far East at the beginning of the month. After training, the troops are expected to be deployed to the front in Ukraine. According to authorities in Seoul, North Korea is ready to send up to 12,000 soldiers.

On Monday, the South Korean Ministry of Defense condemned Pyongyang's actions and called for their immediate halt.

Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha Gyu stated that North Korea's participation in the Russian conflict breaches UN resolutions and is an unlawful act that the global community should strongly condemn.

Yonhap agency reported on Monday that the Ministry of Defense in Seoul does not rule out the transfer of lethal weapons to Ukraine. So far, South Korea has not supplied such armaments to Kyiv.

Jeon Ha Gyu explained that, depending on how North Korea's military cooperation with Russia develops, an analysis will be conducted, followed by discussions at the governmental level to determine the appropriate course of action.