Korea’s President Considers Arming Ukraine Amid North Korean Troop Deployment to Russia
Seoul, South Korea – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol raised the possibility of supplying Ukraine with weapons while stressing that his government "won’t sit idle" as North Korea allegedly sends troops to support Russia’s aggression toward its neighbor.
Countermeasures Against North Korean Troop Deployment
President Yoon spoke to reporters after a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda, a day after US and South Korean officials said they believe around 3,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia and are training at several locations. South Korea’s spy agency told lawmakers that North Korea likely aims to send a total of 10,000 troops to Russia by the end of the year.
Potential Weapons Supply to Ukraine
Seoul’s steps could potentially include sending weapons to Ukraine, which would mark a departure from a long-standing policy of not supplying weapons to countries actively engaged in conflict, Yoon said. He said North Korea’s alleged troop deployment to Russia is a "provocation that threatens global security beyond just the Korean Peninsula and Europe."
Support for Ukraine
"If North Korea dispatches special forces to the Ukraine war as part of Russia-North Korea cooperation, we will support Ukraine in stages and also review and implement measures necessary for security on the Korean Peninsula," Yoon said during a joint press conference with Duda.
South Korean Defense Minister’s Concerns
During a parliamentary hearing, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun said that North Korean troops would likely become "cannon fodder" when deployed in combat in Ukraine and denounced Pyongyang’s leadership for "selling away its troops to an illegal invasion."
"Troop deployment is just a phrase, and it would be more appropriate to call them as mercenaries," he said. "The North Koreans are disguising themselves in Russian uniforms and operating under Russian control with no operational autonomy, just simply following orders."
Conclusion
Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol’s remarks highlight the country’s concerns over North Korea’s alleged troop deployment to Russia and its potential implications on global security. The possibility of Korea supplying Ukraine with weapons marks a significant departure from its long-standing policy, but it also underscores the country’s commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
FAQs
- How many North Korean troops are believed to be deployed to Russia?
According to US and South Korean officials, around 3,000 North Korean troops are believed to be deployed to Russia and are training at several locations. - Is North Korea’s government aware of the troop deployment?
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the presence of North Korean troops. - What is the purpose of North Korea’s alleged troop deployment to Russia?
It is believed that North Korea is providing military support to Russia in exchange for receiving military aid and other benefits. - Will South Korea supply weapons to Ukraine?
Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea’s president, has raised the possibility of supplying Ukraine with weapons, citing the threat to global security posed by North Korea’s alleged troop deployment to Russia.
