Germany summons North Korean envoy over alleged troop deployment to Russia

Germany has summoned North Korea’s envoy in response to allegations that Pyongyang is supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine by sending military personnel.

The German government issued a strong warning to the North Korean regime, stating that any deployment of North Korean troops to aid Russia would be a serious violation of international law, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

"North Korea’s support of the Russian war of aggression directly threatens Germany’s security and the European peace order," Germany's foreign ministry announced on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The ministry emphasized that such involvement would escalate tensions in Europe and undermine global peace efforts.

Reports from South Korea’s intelligence agency have suggested that North Korea is preparing a "large-scale" troop deployment, with approximately 1,500 North Korean special forces allegedly training in Russia’s far east before being sent to the front lines in Ukraine. If confirmed, this would mark a significant escalation in North Korea’s involvement in the conflict.

Seoul and Washington have previously accused North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of sending weapons to Moscow in support of its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Both Pyongyang and Moscow, however, have denied any military collaboration involving troops.

Germany's warning adds to growing international concern over North Korea's deepening ties with Russia, which could further complicate the ongoing war in Ukraine. The German foreign ministry reiterated that if the reports are accurate, North Korea’s actions would constitute a direct violation of international norms and exacerbate the conflict in Europe.

By Khagan Isayev