Ukrainian and South Korean presidents discuss North Korean troops in Russia

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held a phone conversation discussing reports of North Korea deploying troops in Russia.

“We discussed the involvement of North Korean military forces in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The conclusion is clear—this war is becoming internationalized, extending beyond two countries,” Zelenskyy stated on X.

Zelenskyy shared recent intelligence with Yoon about the reported deployment of 3,000 North Korean troops near the front line in Ukraine.

“We agreed to strengthen intelligence and expertise exchange, intensify contacts at all levels, especially the highest, in order to develop an action strategy and countermeasures to address this escalation, and to engage our mutual partners in cooperation,” Zelenskyy added.

As part of this agreement, both countries will soon exchange delegations to coordinate actions.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Yoon for South Korea’s consistent support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for the financial and humanitarian aid Seoul has provided and pledged.

He further invited South Korea to join the G7 Vilnius Declaration on bilateral security guarantees in support of Ukraine.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have risen after Seoul reported Pyongyang’s deployment of nearly 3,000 soldiers to Russia, leading South Korea to consider sending officials to Ukraine to monitor developments.

Neither North Korea nor Russia has commented on Seoul's allegations, though the Kremlin has asserted its right to build relations with Pyongyang, describing it as a matter of Russian sovereignty.