S. Korea to Implement ‘Phased Measures’ in Response to N. Korea-Russia Military Cooperation

SEOUL: South Korea announced plans to take "phased measures" in reaction to the escalating military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, urging an immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops from Russian territory, according to Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo. During a briefing, Kim emphasized that South Korea would not remain passive if the illegal collaboration persists, promising firm responses in collaboration with the international community. According to Yonhap News Agency, among South Korea's potential actions is the possibility of supplying defensive and offensive weapons. This follows earlier indications from South Korea of considering weapons support to Ukraine, following a defense pact signed between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Until now, South Korea has limited its aid to Ukraine to non-lethal humanitarian support. At a National Security Council (NSC) meeting, senior foreign affairs and security officials agreed on implement ing "strong" and "effective" measures in close coordination with allies, preparing for various scenarios and assessing the security implications. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced plans to send a delegation to the NATO headquarters in Brussels to discuss the situation and share intelligence on North Korea's troop movements. The deployment of North Korean troops, including elite units, marks a significant shift in its military engagement with Russia, previously focused on supplying artillery and missiles. Security experts in Seoul have raised concerns that North Korea might acquire advanced Russian military technologies, enhancing its missile, nuclear, and satellite capabilities, which could pose a severe threat to South Korea. The National Intelligence Service reported that North Korea has committed approximately 12,000 troops to aid Russia, with 1,500 soldiers already stationed in Russia's Far East. The NSC declared this development a "significant security threat" and a "blatant violation" of U.N. Security Council resolutions prohibiting military cooperation with North Korea.