Seoul: Vice Unification Minister Kim Soo-kyung emphasized in a recent interview that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine poses a direct threat to South Korea’s security. Speaking with cable news channel MBN, Kim highlighted the potential consequences of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict, particularly concerning South Korea’s national security.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Vice Minister expressed concerns over reports that North Korea has dispatched approximately 10,000 soldiers to train in eastern Russia. This development has raised alarms about a possible escalation in Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine. The Vice Minister underscored that this is not merely a distant conflict, but one that holds significant implications for South Korea. “The war between Ukraine and Russia is not a distant conflict happening elsewhere; it is directly connected to our security. We are engaging in in-depth discussions on how to respond accordingly,” Kim stated.
Kim warned of the potential repercu
ssions if Russia were to transfer advanced military technology to North Korea in exchange for the troop deployment. This could include sensitive technologies such as intercontinental ballistic missile reentry capabilities, which would substantially threaten the Korean Peninsula’s security landscape. The South Korean government is reportedly preparing various response strategies, working in close coordination with the United States to address these developments.
Vice Minister Kim further noted that the deployment seems to be a strategic maneuver by North Korea, aimed at enhancing its geopolitical value amid speculations about the potential conclusion of the war following the U.S. presidential election. Earlier, President Yoon Suk Yeol also commented on the situation, labeling North Korea’s military involvement in Russia as a significant security threat to South Korea and global stability. There are concerns that the North Korean troops could soon be positioned for active combat against Ukrainian forces.