Yoon and Zelenskyy Condemn North Korea-Russia Military Collaboration in Phone Talks.

Seoul: President Yoon Suk Yeol and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have issued a strong condemnation of North Korea's troop deployment to Russia, vowing to actively share intelligence and coordinate countermeasures. This announcement comes as North Korea positions its troops in Russia's Kursk region near the Ukrainian border, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. According to Yonhap News Agency, the two leaders engaged in phone talks to address the developments, denouncing the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including arms transfers and troop deployments. Both presidents expressed a commitment to pursue strategic consultations for a unified response. President Yoon emphasized that South Korea would not overlook the burgeoning military partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow and committed to implementing "phased measures" in response to these security threats. North Korea's deployment of special forces to Russia represents an unprecedented and dangerous escal ation, beyond mere military support, according to Yoon. He underscored the importance of close communication and coordinated responses between South Korea and Ukraine. Yoon also expressed concern about the potential transfer of sensitive military technology from Moscow to Pyongyang and the opportunity for North Korean forces to gain combat experience from the Ukraine conflict, which could significantly threaten South Korea's security. Zelenskyy echoed these sentiments, stating that both leaders agreed to enhance contact at all levels to develop strategies and countermeasures against North Korea's involvement in the war. He highlighted their intention to strengthen intelligence exchanges and increase high-level contact to address this escalation effectively. The two countries also plan to exchange delegations to coordinate their actions. Zelenskyy shared information about the deployment of 3,000 North Korean troops to Russian training facilities near the battlefield, with expectations that this number could grow to approximately 12,000. He expressed gratitude to President Yoon for South Korea's unwavering support for Ukraine, including the financial and humanitarian aid that has been provided and pledged.