Russia-North Korea cooperation fuels prolonged Ukraine war, South Korea warns
Photo: Russian leader Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (Getty Images)
Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, particularly regarding the transfer of ballistic missiles and personnel, violates UN Security Council resolutions and prolongs the war in Ukraine, states South Korean Permanent Representative to the UN during a UN General Assembly session on the situation in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
The diplomat emphasized that the Republic of Korea remained deeply concerned about military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK and that, despite repeated calls to halt it, the cooperation continued unchanged.
He clarified that this involves the transfer of weapons, including ballistic missiles, the deployment of troops, and other factors that prolong the war initiated by Russia. Moreover, this poses threats to international peace and security.
In this regard, the South Korean representative called on Moscow and Pyongyang to cease their illegal military cooperation.
The diplomat stressed that diplomatic engagement was a necessary condition for ending the war, which should never have started and had to end without further delay.
He also pointed to a sharp increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine. In particular, according to UN data, at least 437 civilians were killed and more than 2,600 injured in July due to Russian attacks. These figures represent the highest toll since May 2022.
Summing up, the South Korean representative emphasized the need to focus on temporarily occupied territories, where civilians remain particularly vulnerable to human rights violations and security threats. He also noted that this includes the return of forcibly displaced children and other civilians who are currently separated from their families.
What else is important to know
A week ago, Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, reported that new military personnel from the DPRK had arrived in Russia. In particular, currently, 400 drone operators among North Koreans are assisting Moscow in the war against Ukraine.
Also, recently, media reports emerged that the DPRK continues to prepare for another troop deployment to Russia. However, signs of immediate deployment have not yet been observed.
