Seoul: The presidential office announced on Wednesday its plans to commence discussions with Ukraine regarding a visit by Kyiv’s special envoy to South Korea. This initiative comes as both nations aim to enhance their response strategies against the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a senior official from the presidential office disclosed intelligence assessments from South Korea and its allies, indicating that over 11,000 North Korean troops have been dispatched to Russia. A portion of these troops is reportedly stationed in Russia’s western region, close to the Ukrainian border.
During a recent phone conversation with President Yoon Suk Yeol, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his intention to send a special delegation to South Korea. The delegation’s mission will be to coordinate actions in response to North Korea’s military support to Russia. The official, who requested anonymity, mentioned that Ukraine could designate a special envoy and finali
ze the visit plan within a day or two.
South Korea is also contemplating the deployment of a team to monitor North Korean military activities in battle zones. The objective is to evaluate potential security risks, as there is concern that Pyongyang might acquire military technology from Russia in exchange for its troop deployment, potentially learning advanced warfare tactics. Such developments are perceived as a possible “direct military threat” to South Korea.
When queried about the prospect of providing 155-millimeter artillery shells to Ukraine, the official clarified that no such request has been made by Ukraine, and the plan is not currently under consideration. Although the provision of arms is not being actively discussed, the official noted that South Korea might consider supplying weapons for defensive purposes.
President Yoon recently indicated that South Korea could contemplate sending arms to Ukraine, contingent upon the extent of military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
The officia
l further revealed that North Korean soldiers seem to be donning Russian military uniforms and equipment, suggesting their integration into Russia’s military framework. To mitigate social unrest, the Pyongyang regime has imposed restrictions on mobile phone use among military officers and informed families of deployed soldiers that they are participating in training exercises.