Russia displays victory banner in central Seoul: South Korea demands removal
Russia displayed controversial banner in central Seoul (photo: Getty Images)
South Korea demanded that the Russian embassy remove a banner with the slogan "victory will be ours" that appeared in central Seoul ahead of the anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a statement from the country's Foreign Ministry says, Yonhap reports.
Banner on the embassy building
It concerns a nearly 15-meter banner in the colors of the Russian flag with an inscription in the Russian language. It was placed on the outer wall of the Russian embassy in central Seoul ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2026.
In South Korea, it was stated that such a banner may create unnecessary tension in relations with residents and other countries.
Seoul reaction
On January 22 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea appealed to the embassy with a request to remove the banner, but as of the morning of February 23, it remained in place.
The Foreign Ministry stated that this could be regarded as a violation of diplomatic ethics, while the statement did not specify whether the Korean side received a response from the Russian embassy.
Ministry said it had informed the Russian side of its position regarding the recent placement of a banner on the outer walls of the Russian embassy in Seoul and public statements of the Russian ambassador to South Korea.
The Foreign Ministry also confirmed the position that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is illegal and called on Moscow to stop military cooperation with North Korea, describing it as a threat to the security of the region and a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
Position of the Russian embassy
Later Russian embassy stated that the banner was allegedly placed in connection with two holidays — Diplomatic Worker Day and Defender of the Fatherland Day.
It is also called the slogan winged phrase connected with the history of Russia and the mobilization of the Soviet people during World War II.
The Embassy added that the hat banner should not offend anyone's feelings. And it will not be removed until the end of the festive events.
Earlier, delegations of South Korea and Russia held closed talks in Moscow on North Korea's nuclear program and other urgent regional security issues.
