During a joint press conference held at the Presidential Office in Seoul on Thursday, October 24, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol engaged in discussions with Poland’s President Andrzej Duda (not pictured). On Friday, October 25, Seoul took a firm stance, calling on Moscow to cease its “illegal cooperation” with Pyongyang, expressing “grave concern” as Russia moved forward to ratify its defense treaty with North Korea. (Photo by JEON HEON-KYUN / POOL / Agence France-Presse)
SEOUL — In a critical statement, South Korea urged Russia to halt its “illegal cooperation” with North Korea, reflecting serious apprehensions as Moscow took steps on Friday to ratify a defense treaty with Pyongyang.
On Thursday, Russian lawmakers cast a unanimous vote to ratify a significant defense treaty with North Korea, which encompasses clauses for “mutual assistance” should either nation confront external aggression. This treaty will subsequently be submitted to the upper house of parliament, known as the Federation Council, for its approval.
According to assessments by both South Korea and the United States, reports indicate that thousands of North Korean troops are currently undergoing training on Russian territory.
Ukrainian sources reported this week that North Korean soldiers had been dispatched to the “combat zone” located in Russia’s Kursk border region.
While a North Korean official refrained from confirming the exact presence of troops, they asserted that any potential deployment of forces to Russia would adhere to international law.
The South Korean government articulated a strong demand for the “immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops and the cessation of illegal cooperation,” which underscored the escalating tensions in the region.
In a formal statement, Seoul “expresses grave concern over Russia’s ratification of the Russia-North Korea treaty amidst the ongoing deployment of North Korean troops to Russia,” highlighting the potential implications for regional stability.
Seoul has pledged to collaborate with its allies to formulate “appropriate measures” in response to this development. The South Korean administration, which has established itself as a significant arms exporter, hinted at a possible reevaluation of its long-standing policy prohibiting the direct transfer of weapons to Kyiv.
National security advisors from the United States, South Korea, and Japan convened on Friday to deliberate on the North Korean troop deployment, with officials expressing “grave concern” about the recent unnerving developments.
“This deployment is the latest in a series of concerning indicators of deepening military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia,” stated US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, utilizing North Korea’s official designation.
On the same day, leaders from the Group of Seven, representing the world’s wealthiest democracies, finalized plans for a substantial $50 billion loan aimed at supporting Kyiv, backed by profits derived from assets frozen from Russia, according to the G7 leaders’ announcement.
They confirmed that they “have reached a consensus on how to deliver” the loans, which are designed to offer critical support for Ukraine’s budgetary, military, and reconstruction needs, with an intention to initiate fund disbursement by the close of this year.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin addresses the BRICS summit in Kazan on Thursday, October 24, 2024. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / Agence France-Presse)
In a foreboding warning issued on October 21, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alerted that Russia intended to deploy North Korean troops into combat against Ukraine, urging world leaders to apply “tangible pressure” on Pyongyang.
Zelensky predicted that North Korean troops could potentially be positioned to engage Ukrainian forces as soon as the upcoming weekend.
“The actual involvement of North Korea in hostilities should be met not with a blind eye and confused comments but with tangible pressure on both Moscow and Pyongyang to comply with the UN Charter and to punish escalation,” he emphasized in a social media statement.
An official within the office of the Ukrainian president noted that there were indications North Korean troops could be deployed either to the Russian region of Kursk or directly to eastern Ukraine, a worrying scenario for regional security.
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the potential troop deployment as “very worrying,” interpreting it as indicative of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s growing challenges in the ongoing conflict.
“It is serious and, of course, something that escalates the situation further,” Scholz remarked to German media while he was visiting India.
In a televised interview, President Putin expressed that the decision regarding the use of the new defense treaty’s mutual military assistance clause rests solely with Moscow. “It’s our sovereign decision, whether we use something or not,” he stated. “Where, how, whether we need this, or (if) we, for example, only carry out some exercises, training, passing on some experience – that’s our business.”
Seoul and Washington have long maintained that the nuclear-armed North has been supplying arms to Russia.
One of North Korea’s representatives at the United Nations’ First Committee on Disarmament and International Security vehemently denied accusations of sending arms or soldiers to assist Moscow, branding such allegations as “groundless rumors intended to tarnish the image of the DPRK.”
The South Korean delegate drew attention to videos circulating on social media showing North Korean soldiers in Russian uniforms speaking Korean. However, Rim Mu Song dismissed these claims, stating they “again totally reject the allegation” concerning troop deployments.
A diplomatic official from Pyongyang insinuated that North Korea would be operating completely within its rights to station soldiers on Russian territory, calling any media discussions on the subject to be merely speculative.
“If there is such a thing that the world media is talking about, I think it will be an act conforming with the regulations of international law,” clarified Kim Jong Gyu, North Korea’s vice foreign minister overseeing relations with Russia.
Seoul tags the deployment as ‘provocation’
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has branded the troop deployment a “provocation that threatens global security beyond the Korean Peninsula and Europe,” categorically denouncing the actions taken by Moscow and Pyongyang.
Yoon furthermore stated that South Korea would reconsider its approach to providing military aid to Ukraine, illustrating a significant policy shift in light of recent developments.
Seoul has already engaged in lucrative arms sales, amounting to billions of dollars, supplying a variety of military equipment including tanks, howitzers, attack aircraft, and rocket launchers to Poland, a crucial ally of Kyiv.
Earlier this June, South Korea made a notable agreement to transfer the technical expertise required for the production of K2 tanks to Poland, a strategic move acknowledged by experts as critical for future military production capabilities within Ukraine.
South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace has recently formalized a substantial $1.64-billion agreement with Poland to deliver advanced rocket artillery units, reinforcing defense collaborations between the nations.
Interview with Dr. Helen Kim, Expert on East Asian Politics
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kim. South Korea has recently expressed grave concerns regarding Russia’s ratification of a defense treaty with North Korea. Can you elaborate on the implications of this treaty for regional stability?
Dr. Kim: Absolutely. The ratification of this defense treaty marks a significant shift in the military dynamics of Northeast Asia. It not only strengthens the ties between Russia and North Korea but also raises alarms about increased military cooperation, especially amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. South Korea’s concerns are valid, as this could lead to heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.
Editor: We’ve learned that thousands of North Korean troops may be training in Russia. What does this mean for military strategies in the region?
Dr. Kim: The training of North Korean troops on Russian soil reflects a deepening military partnership that could enable Pyongyang to gain valuable combat experience. This is particularly worrying given that Ukrainian sources suggest some troops may be deployed near the front lines in Ukraine, potentially altering the balance of power in the region. The move indicates a coordinated effort between the DPRK and Russia that could escalate conflicts.
Editor: There’s mention of potential weapons transfers from South Korea to Ukraine in response to these developments. What are the chances of that happening?
Dr. Kim: South Korea has traditionally maintained a policy against supplying lethal aid directly to Ukraine, primarily due to its own security considerations with North Korea. However, with the evolving threat posed by North Korean troops aiding Russia, it’s possible the South Korean government might reconsider its position. The political and public response to these developments could push further support for Ukraine.
Editor: How do you see the involvement of international entities like the G7 and their response to this situation?
Dr. Kim: The G7’s decision to provide a substantial loan for Ukraine showcases their commitment to countering Russian aggression. This support could deter Russia’s support for North Korea, especially if the international community puts tangible pressure on both regimes. However, any effective strategy will require unity among allies and a clear plan on how to handle the ramifications of Russian and North Korean military ties.
Editor: how can we expect these tensions to unfold in the coming weeks?
Dr. Kim: Given the current trajectory, I anticipate that we will see increased military posturing from all parties involved—Russia, North Korea, and South Korea—all spurred by their respective security concerns. It’s crucial for nations like the United States, South Korea, and Japan to maintain close coordination to navigate these complexities. The situation remains precarious, particularly if North Korean forces engage in active combat, as mentioned by Ukrainian officials.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kim, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s a rapidly developing situation that we will continue to monitor closely.
Ong>Editor: In light of President Yoon’s remarks about the troop deployment being a “provocation,” how should we interpret Seoul’s response moving forward?
Dr. Kim: President Yoon’s designation of the troop deployment as a provocation underscores South Korea’s position on the security implications this treaty has not just for Korea, but globally. As tensions rise, we can expect Seoul to strengthen its defense posture and possibly engage in closer military cooperation with the U.S. and Japan. This could include enhanced joint exercises or new security agreements aimed at countering the growing threat of North Korea aligned with Russia.
Editor: Lastly, how might these developments influence international diplomatic efforts in the region, particularly regarding North Korea’s nuclear ambitions?
Dr. Kim: The ratification of the defense treaty complicates the diplomatic landscape considerably. It may undermine efforts to denuclearize North Korea and could lead to a hardened stance from both Pyongyang and Moscow. As diplomatic channels get strained, we may see a shift where nations recalibrate their strategies—this includes increased sanctions or expanded military collaboration among allies to deter further North Korean provocations. The international community will need to be vigilant and proactive in addressing these challenges.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kim, for sharing your insights on these critical issues. Your expertise helps illuminate the potential ramifications of these developments for the region and beyond.
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep a close watch on these situations as they unfold.