South Korea Warns of Military Aid to Ukraine
South Korea has issued a strong warning, stating it could reconsider providing military aid to Ukraine if North Korea and Russia continue to deepen their military ties. This comes as North Korea is accused of sending troops to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine, a claim Pyongyang denies.
Seoul views the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea as a significant international threat and has pledged to work with its allies to address the situation. A senior official from President Yoon Suk-yeol’s office hinted at the possibility of reversing South Korea’s previous decision to avoid sending arms to Kyiv, signaling a potential shift in the country’s foreign policy.
North Korea Denies Troop Deployment
On Monday, South Korea summoned the Russian ambassador following accusations that North Korea had deployed 1,500 soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. In response, North Korea dismissed the allegations as “groundless rumors.” However, Seoul remains resolute, reiterating its concerns over North Korean military support for Russia.
The National Security Council of South Korea emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that any deployment of North Korean troops to support Russia’s “illegal war of aggression in Ukraine” poses a security threat not only to South Korea but also to the international community.
“Following the deployment of North Korean combat troops, the government will implement phased countermeasures,” the council warned, signaling that diplomatic, economic, and military responses are being prepared.
South Korea Under Pressure to Supply Arms
While South Korea has provided non-lethal aid, such as demining equipment, to Ukraine, it has resisted calls from Western countries and Kyiv to send lethal weapons. However, as tensions between Russia and North Korea escalate, Seoul is reconsidering its stance.
A senior official suggested that the provision of arms could be considered as part of a step-by-step response. “We would consider supplying weapons for defensive purposes as part of the step-by-step scenarios, and if it seems they are going too far, we might also consider offensive use,” the official said, referring to possible arms sales.
This potential policy shift could mark a significant change in South Korea’s approach to the conflict in Ukraine, aligning it more closely with its Western allies.
Russia and North Korea Dismiss Accusations
North Korea has repeatedly denied supplying arms to Russia in recent months, refuting claims from both South Korea and the United States. Late on Monday, North Korea criticized allegations from South Korea’s intelligence agency, which claimed that special forces personnel from Pyongyang had been sent to Russia’s Far East for training, ahead of possible deployment in Ukraine.
During a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly, a North Korean representative dismissed these accusations as “groundless” and “stereotyped rumors.” The official stated that the claims were intended to “smear the image” of North Korea and undermine its relations with Russia.
Meanwhile, Moscow has refrained from confirming or denying the presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine. However, Russia defended its military cooperation with North Korea, claiming it was not directed against South Korea’s security interests.
Growing Ties Between Pyongyang and Moscow
The relationship between North Korea and Russia has strengthened since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The two countries have long been allies, with diplomatic and military ties dating back to North Korea’s founding. As international sanctions have isolated both nations, their cooperation has grown, raising concerns in Seoul and among Western powers.
South Korea’s potential shift towards providing arms to Ukraine underscores the seriousness with which it views the evolving alliance between North Korea and Russia. As tensions rise, Seoul remains committed to taking action to counter the threats posed by this new axis of military cooperation.
