Seoul: The European Union’s (EU) foreign policy chief has emphasized the necessity of supporting Ukraine comprehensively, including the provision of military assistance, amid increasing concerns about North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, articulated these views as South Korea considered a potential shift in its Ukraine support policy. This change would involve moving from providing nonlethal aid to potentially supplying weapons, following reports of North Korea sending thousands of soldiers to support Moscow in its conflict against Kyiv.
South Korea’s presidential office announced that it would adopt “phased” steps based on the progression of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Borrell expressed his apprehension over the strengthening military ties between North Korea and Russia in a written interview with Yonhap News Agency prior to his visit to Seoul.
Borrell sta
ted that Russia’s ongoing war on Ukraine, which has persisted for over two years, poses a threat to global security. He stressed the importance of sustained support for Ukraine across all areas, including military aid. Known for his forthright support for arming Ukraine, Borrell expressed interest in discussing with South Korea how to further coordinate efforts to ensure the broadest support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
During his visit to Seoul, Borrell planned to engage in talks addressing developments related to North Korea’s troop deployment to Russia, among other issues. He visited the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas upon his arrival on Sunday.
On Monday, Borrell was scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul for the inaugural strategic dialogue between the EU and South Korea, where they would sign a new security and defense partnership. This partnership aims to foster more “operational, actionable and mutually beneficial” cooperation on various issues, including marit
ime security, cyber and hybrid issues, and nonproliferation and disarmament.
Borrell highlighted the importance of the EU’s partnership with South Korea, particularly amid heightened geopolitical tensions due to North Korea’s troop deployment. The United States reported that approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers are in Russia, with 8,000 positioned near Ukraine and expected to join the combat soon.
The Ukrainian defense intelligence agency has claimed that Russia has deployed over 7,000 North Korean soldiers, equipped with rifles and mortar rounds, to areas near the Ukrainian border. Borrell underscored the interconnectedness of regional security between the EU and South Korea, marking the Strategic Dialogue as a new chapter in strengthening relations.
Borrell condemned Russia for violating its nonproliferation obligations and U.N. Security Council resolutions. He emphasized the importance of monitoring what North Korea gains from Russia in exchange for its military support and stated his intention to
discuss potential responses during his visit.
As Borrell approaches the end of his five-year term with the EU commission’s new launch next month, he will be succeeded by Kaja Kallas, the former Estonian prime minister.