Seoul: The European Union’s (EU) foreign policy chief has stressed the necessity of supporting Ukraine across all facets, including military aid, amidst rising concerns over North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia. Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, made these remarks in light of South Korea considering a potential shift in its Ukraine support strategy from nonlethal aid to potentially providing weapons. This policy review follows reports indicating that North Korea has dispatched thousands of soldiers to assist Moscow in its ongoing conflict with Kyiv.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea’s presidential office has signaled a “phased” approach in response, contingent on the developments in military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Borrell expressed significant concern regarding the escalation of military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. He emphasized the ongoing threat that Russia’s actions in Ukraine pose to global security and the
importance of sustaining comprehensive support for Ukraine, potentially including military assistance.
Borrell, known for his strong advocacy for arming Ukraine, indicated his interest in discussing with South Korean officials how to further synchronize efforts to secure broad support for achieving a fair and enduring peace in Ukraine. During his visit to Seoul, Borrell engaged in discussions expected to touch upon North Korea’s troop deployment to Russia, among other pertinent subjects. He also visited the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea.
On Monday, Borrell met with South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Tae-yul, to initiate a strategic dialogue between the EU and South Korea and to sign a new security and defense partnership. This partnership is designed to foster more operational and mutually beneficial cooperation on various issues, including maritime security, cyber threats, foreign information manipulation, and nonproliferation.
The security agreement also aims to enhance collaborati
ve efforts to counter North Korea’s illegal cyber activities and to increase consultations concerning the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, it seeks to address the responsible use of artificial intelligence in military contexts and establish a dialogue channel for space security.
Borrell underscored the importance of the EU’s partnership with South Korea, especially amid heightened geopolitical tensions due to North Korea’s troop movements. Reports indicate that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia, with a significant number poised to join combat operations near Ukraine.
Further, Borrell condemned Russia for reneging on its nonproliferation commitments and violating U.N. Security Council resolutions. He highlighted the need to scrutinize what North Korea might receive from Russia in return for its support. Borrell called for a united response to these developments and noted his intentions to discuss potential responses during his visit.
As Borrell prepare
s to conclude his five-year term with the upcoming launch of the new EU commission, he will be succeeded by Kaja Kallas, the former Estonian prime minister.