In a joint statement on Monday, the European Union (EU) and South Korea condemned North Korea’s supply of weapons to Moscow and called for the withdrawal of North Korean troops currently assisting Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, is visiting the Republic of Korea (ROK) to participate in the “Strategic Dialogue” meeting in Seoul.
“This constitutes a serious breach of international law, including the most fundamental principles of the UN Charter. Such cooperation between the DPRK and Russia is not only in flagrant violation of multiple UNSC resolutions, but it also prolongs the suffering of the Ukrainian people and threatens the security of the world, including that of the Republic of Korea and Europe,” stated the two Ministers.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, met with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun. They agreed to collaborate to counter the growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
During the meeting, South Korea and the EU formalised a security and defence partnership that covers 15 key areas, including cybersecurity and disarmament initiatives. Borrell also visited the demilitarised zone (DMZ) between North Korea and South Korea, where he paid tribute to the soldiers buried in the cemetery.
“We are strategic partners. We share values and common goals. We share a partnership. And this is important in this current geopolitical context, challenging for both of us and based on our common will to build a better future for our people,” noted Borrell in a press conference.
“The Indo-Pacific is at the heart of many of the global shifts, be it digital transformation, be it climate change, be it the rise of China. In our interconnected world, political, economic, and security developments are not confined to geographical boundaries because climate change doesn’t know about boundaries, and geopolitical tensions come from the war in Ukraine onto the Indo-Pacific waters here in the Korean Peninsula,” continued Borrell.
“The developments in this peninsula and in Ukraine, in Korea and in Ukraine, they are far away, but they are interlinked, as you know very well, including the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia, which illustrates the importance of our shared security agenda,” he emphasised.
Foreign Minister Cho, when asked about the possibility of South Korea supplying weapons to Ukraine in response to North Korea’s actions, stated that all scenarios are being considered. While South Korea has provided non-lethal assistance to Ukraine, such as mine clearance equipment, it has declined requests for military supplies.
As tensions rise, South Korea expects that North Korea may receive compensation from Russia in the form of military and civilian technologies, particularly as it seeks to develop its missile capabilities and launch a spy satellite. North Korea’s reported troop deployment raises concerns about the potential expansion of the nearly three-year-long war and is creating security worries in South Korea. Many fear that Russia might reward North Korea by providing advanced weapons technology or offering a defence commitment in the event of a conflict on the Korean Peninsula.
During his meeting with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, Borrell expressed severe concerns regarding North Korea’s reported deployment of troops and strongly condemned the action. According to the statement, both officials agreed to collaborate with the international community to prevent security cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
“I met Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun on DPRK & other common security challenges. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an existential threat. The Republic of Korea is best positioned to understand it. We are united in our support of Ukraine. I encouraged them to step it up,” Borrell posted on X.
The U.S. government revealed on Thursday that approximately 8,000 North Korean soldiers are near Ukraine’s border in Russia, preparing to join the fight against Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged allies to take action before these troops are deployed.
Intelligence from the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine estimates that North Korea has sent around 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia. If they engage in combat, it would mark North Korea’s first involvement in a large-scale conflict since the Korean War ended in 1953. Kim Jong Un is using the Russia-Ukraine war to strengthen defence and economic ties with Russia amid increasing U.S. pressure over his nuclear programme. The U.S. and its allies accuse North Korea of already supplying arms to Russia. Furthermore, Kim has ramped up missile testing while Russia and China block stronger sanctions against North Korea, which is also pushing to end reconciliation efforts with South Korea.
