South Korea Vows to Respond as North Korea Allegedly Sends Troops to Aid Russia in Ukraine Conflict
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has pledged that his government “won’t sit idle” following reports that North Korea is deploying troops to support Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. His statement came after a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda, where the two leaders discussed expanding defense cooperation amidst the ongoing conflict.
Alleged North Korean Troop Deployment to Russia
The meeting followed claims from U.S. and South Korean officials that around 3,000 North Korean troops have already been sent to Russia, with training reportedly occurring at multiple locations. South Korea’s spy agency briefed lawmakers that Pyongyang might be planning to send up to 10,000 troops by the year’s end. This influx of forces could potentially shift the dynamics of the war in Ukraine. However, both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied these allegations, dismissing reports of North Korean military presence in Russia.
Following the summit, President Yoon stated, “We agreed that North Korea’s troop deployment to Russia, which is in direct violation of the U.N. charter and U.N. Security Council resolutions, is a provocation that threatens global security.” He emphasized that South Korea would collaborate with allies to develop countermeasures, including diplomatic actions, economic sanctions, and military preparations, to be enacted based on the level of cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
Expanding South Korea-Poland Defense Cooperation
During the discussions, Yoon and Duda also focused on enhancing defense ties. Both leaders agreed to support additional deliveries of South Korean military equipment to Poland, including a deal for K-2 tanks, expected to be finalized within the year. Poland has already secured several arms deals with South Korea, acquiring tanks, howitzers, and missile launchers to strengthen its military in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
South Korea’s Role in Supporting Ukraine
South Korea has consistently provided humanitarian aid and non-lethal support to Ukraine, including medical supplies, food, and essential resources, while supporting U.S.-led sanctions against Russia. Despite this, Seoul has not directly supplied Ukraine with arms, adhering to a long-standing policy of refraining from exporting weapons to active conflict zones. However, President Yoon has hinted that South Korea might consider military assistance if the situation escalates.
Growing Tensions on the Korean Peninsula
North Korea’s alleged involvement in aiding Russia has exacerbated tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Since 2022, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has used Russia’s war in Ukraine as an opportunity to advance his nuclear weapons and missile programs. Experts warn that Pyongyang could seek advanced technology transfers from Russia in exchange for sending troops, particularly in intercontinental ballistic missile technology and submarine capabilities, potentially heightening the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.
As South Korea evaluates its next steps, the situation underscores the complex geopolitical tensions that continue to escalate as the war in Ukraine persists.