South Korea has voiced “grave concern” over Russia’s efforts to finalize a defense pact with North Korea, accusing Pyongyang of potentially sending troops to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
On Thursday, Russia’s lower house of parliament unanimously approved a treaty obliging both Moscow and Pyongyang to provide “mutual assistance” if either is attacked, with the upper house expected to soon endorse the treaty as well.
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Seoul issued a strong statement urging an “immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops and a halt to illegal cooperation.” South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged to work with the international community to respond decisively as the Russia-North Korea military partnership evolves.
A day prior, President Yoon Suk Yeol condemned North Korea’s troop deployments to Russia as a “provocation threatening global security” and hinted that Seoul might support Ukraine with weaponry if North Korean military presence intensifies.
