South Korean president addresses rumours of DPRK troops being sent to Russia

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol addressed speculation regarding the potential deployment of North Korean troops to Russia during an emergency meeting focused on these reports.

"We will not remain passive in this situation; in collaboration with the international community, we will respond using all available means," Yoon stated, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The presidential administration noted that Seoul has been monitoring this situation closely from the outset. Should it be deemed necessary, the government will formulate and implement appropriate measures.

On October 8, South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun indicated that North Korea might dispatch soldiers from its regular armed forces to Ukraine to support Russia. He mentioned that the mutual treaty signed between Russia and North Korea resembles a military alliance, making such a development plausible.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reported that the alliance has found no evidence to substantiate claims of North Korean military involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. During a press conference following the first day of NATO defence ministers' meetings, he stated, "NATO has no evidence of the presence of DPRK military in Ukraine".

However, Rutte acknowledged suspicions that North Korea may be supplying military assistance to Russia through weapons and technology. He highlighted that defence ministers had discussed the possible involvement of North Korea, China, and Iran in the ongoing conflict.

The U.S. Department of Defense echoed this sentiment, stating it has no information confirming the presence of DPRK troops in the special military operation area in Ukraine. Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder addressed the issue during a regular briefing, saying, "We have seen reports and statements regarding the possible deployment of DPRK forces to Russia or Ukraine. At this time, we are investigating, but we cannot confirm or expand upon those reports."

By Tamilla Hasanova