Russia has moved to ratify a significant defence treaty with North Korea, drawing a stern warning from South Korea regarding potential troop deployments to aid in the Ukraine conflict. On Thursday, South Korea's intelligence agency reported that thousands of North Korean soldiers are currently training in Russia and may soon be deployed to the front lines in Ukraine, with additional troops expected by December.
In a unanimous vote, lawmakers in Russia's lower house of parliament approved the treaty, which promises "mutual assistance" in the event of aggression against either country. The agreement will now proceed to the upper house, the Federation Council, for approval, although both chambers typically endorse decisions made by the Kremlin.
Concerns are growing in the West that North Korea is supplying arms to Russia for use in the ongoing Ukraine offensive. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed strong disapproval, stating, "South Korea won't sit idle over this," in reference to the reported troop movements. Following discussions with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Yoon emphasized that North Korea's actions pose a global security threat that extends beyond the Korean Peninsula and Europe.
Historically, South Korea has refrained from sending weapons to Ukraine, despite being one of the world's top 10 weapons exporters. However, in light of North Korea's increasing military cooperation with Russia, Yoon hinted at a potential policy shift, stating that Seoul would "take necessary actions in cooperation with the international community."
The alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow has strengthened since Russia's military offensive in Ukraine began in 2022. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as his country's "dearest friend."
While Russia has not confirmed reports of North Korean soldiers being sent to assist in Ukraine, it directed inquiries to Pyongyang for clarification. South Korea has already supplied billions in military equipment, including tanks, howitzers, and aircraft, to Poland, a key ally of Ukraine.
In June, South Korea agreed to share technology for building K2 tanks with Poland, a move that experts suggest could facilitate production within Ukraine. The two nations plan to bolster their defence cooperation and are expected to finalize a second contract for K2 tanks by the end of the year.
During his four-day visit, President Duda highlighted their commitment to strengthening joint efforts for peace and reconstruction in Ukraine, alongside expanding support for its people. Duda's visit includes stops at Hyundai Rotem, the K2 tank manufacturer, and Hanwha Aerospace, South Korea's largest defence contractor, which has secured a $1.64 billion deal with Poland for rocket artillery units.
A South Korean official noted that the country would provide defensive weaponry to Ukraine, with the possibility of considering offensive weapons if the situation escalates. Adding to the tensions, a North Korean balloon carrying propaganda materials recently landed near Seoul’s presidential compound, mocking the South Korean president and his wife.
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