EU sanctions North Korean generals for supporting Russia's war in Ukraine

The European Union has introduced sanctions on two North Korean officials accused of supporting Russia's military operations in Ukraine. 

This move reflects an intensification of the EU’s efforts to undermine Russia's military-industrial complex, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The sanctioned North Korean nationals are Kim Yong Bok, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army, and defence minister Ro Kwang Chol (No Kwang Chol). According to the EU’s official legal journal, the sanctions were based on intelligence from Ukraine and the Republic of Korea (ROK), implicating the two officials in North Korea’s alleged military cooperation with Russia.

Kim Yong Bok is reported to have recently been deployed to Russia to oversee the deployment of North Korean troops in support of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The EU described Kim as a three-star general with extensive experience leading DPRK special forces, also known as the 11th Corps. He was noted to have appeared at least seven times with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2024, signifying his prominent role within the country’s military hierarchy.

Ro Kwang Chol, the EU stated, is directly involved in North Korea’s military collaboration with Russia, including the dispatch of North Korean troops to assist Russian forces.

“These sanctions have a clear objective — to weaken Russia’s economy and its ability to pursue its illegal aggression against Ukraine,” said Maria Luís Albuquerque, the EU’s commissioner for financial services.

In addition to the North Korean officials, the EU sanctions list includes 52 other individuals and 30 entities, primarily targeting Russian defence firms, shipping companies, and over 50 vessels tied to Russian energy exports.

By Khagan Isayev