Reservists’ Group Demands Halt to North Korean Troop Deployment to Russia

SEOUL: A South Korean reservists' group has urged Russia to immediately cease the deployment of North Korean soldiers in support of its military operations in Ukraine, citing concerns over regional security and international relations. According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean Veterans Association made the appeal during a demonstration in front of the Russian Embassy in Seoul. The association believes that North Korea has dispatched troops to Russia with the intention of deploying them in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The group criticized Russia for allegedly using North Korean soldiers as expendable resources, suggesting that their lives are being traded to bolster North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's regime. Participants at the rally condemned the troop deployment as a reckless action that jeopardizes the longstanding diplomatic relationship between South Korea and Russia, warning of the potential for the situation to escalate into a global conflict. "Responsibility for any unfortunate situations lies e ntirely with the Russian government," the group declared, urging Russia to withdraw the North Korean troops to foster peace both regionally and globally. Shin Sang-tae, the chairman of the Korean Veterans Association, expressed grave concerns over the potential ramifications of North Korean troops supporting Russia's military efforts. He described the situation as an "earthshaking" development that could fundamentally alter the security landscape on the Korean Peninsula. After the protest, which saw the participation of around 150 members, the reservists' group submitted a formal letter of complaint to the Russian Embassy.