G7 and three allies plan response to North Korean troop deployment in war against Ukraine
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
The Group of Seven (G7) countries and three other nations are deeply concerned by North Korea's deployment of soldiers to the war against Ukraine. They are preparing a coordinated response, according to a joint declaration by the foreign ministers of 10 countries and EU High Representative Josep Borrell, referencing Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The declaration was signed by the G7 members (the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, France, Italy, Germany, the European Union, and Canada), along with South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
"We ... express our grave concerns regarding the deployment of DPRK troops to Russia, potentially for the use on the battlefield against Ukraine," the statement reads.
The declaration also emphasizes that North Korea’s direct support of the war against Ukraine would "mark a dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific peace and security." It would also constitute a further violation of international law.
The 10 countries and the EU strongly condemned the strengthening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, which includes the provision of North Korean ballistic missiles to Russian forces and other support. This violates several UN Security Council resolutions.
"We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to support Ukraine as it defends its freedom, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. We are working with our international partners for a coordinated response to this new development," the statement underscores.
North Korean soldiers in Russia
Reports of North Korean soldiers being transferred to Russia surfaced in early October. According to recent information shared by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, there are 11,000 North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia’s Kursk region.
On October 4, Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation reported that North Korean troops had already come under Ukrainian artillery fire in the Kursk region.
Furthermore, today, October 5, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that the first skirmish has occurred between the Armed Forces of Ukraine and North Korean soldiers.
