South Korea Warns of Sending Arms to Ukraine Amid North Korean Troop Allegations in Russia
In a sharp escalation of tensions, South Korea has warned that it may consider supplying arms to Ukraine following reports that North Korea has allegedly deployed troops to Russia. This potential move comes as both North Korea and Russia deny the claims, which have sparked concerns across the international community.
South Korea’s Response to a Growing Threat
On Tuesday, South Korea's government issued a strong statement condemning the alleged deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, calling for their immediate withdrawal. Officials warned that South Korea would not stand by if the situation continues, signaling a potential shift in its stance on supplying arms to Ukraine. While South Korea has provided humanitarian and financial aid to Kyiv since the start of the war, it has thus far refrained from sending weapons directly to countries involved in active conflict.
However, North Korea's involvement in Russia’s war effort may change that policy. In an emergency National Security Council meeting, South Korean officials called the alleged troop deployment a "grave security threat" and accused North Korea of exploiting its youth by sending them to fight as Russian mercenaries.
South Korea is reportedly considering a range of countermeasures, including economic sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and military options, including the potential supply of both defensive and offensive weapons to Ukraine.
North Korea and Russia Strengthening Ties
The cooperation between North Korea and Russia has grown significantly in recent years, with the two countries signing a defense deal in June 2024, pledging to support each other in case of an attack. North Korea is also reported to have sent significant arms shipments to Russia, including artillery and missiles, to aid in its war effort against Ukraine.
South Korea's spy agency recently confirmed that around 1,500 North Korean soldiers had been sent to Russia, with Ukrainian intelligence suggesting the number could increase to 10,000. This development has raised alarm in Seoul, as South Korea fears that Russia may reward North Korea with advanced weapons technology, particularly in the areas of nuclear missiles and space-based surveillance systems.
International Reactions
The potential involvement of North Korean troops has not yet been confirmed by NATO or the U.S., but NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called it a "significant escalation" if proven true. He announced that South Korean experts would brief NATO ambassadors in Brussels next week to discuss the matter.
At the U.N., both Russia and North Korea vehemently denied the reports. Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia dismissed the claims as "scaremongering," while a North Korean diplomat called the allegations "stereotype rumors" aimed at undermining legitimate cooperation between sovereign states.
What Could Happen Next?
South Korea's warning signals a potential turning point in its involvement in the Ukraine conflict. If it decides to provide military support to Ukraine, this could further strain relations with North Korea and its ally, Russia. The international community will be watching closely in the coming weeks as NATO investigates the North Korean troop deployment claims.
For South Korea, the stakes are high. The country has long been cautious about taking sides in international conflicts, but with its own security on the line, it may soon take a more active role in Ukraine's defense, potentially altering the geopolitical landscape in East Asia.
Reference from :- https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-south-russia-troops-ukraine-3bf74624cfa6856edd4f15fb3992bfa0