Seoul’s spy agency estimates that 1,500 North Korean soldiers, including special forces personnel, have already reached Russia.
South Korea’s vice-foreign minister Kim Hong-kyun condemned the action and said that Seoul would “respond with all measures available” during a meeting with ambassador Georgiy Zinoviev.
Mr. Zinoviev emphasized that Moscow and Pyongyang’s collaboration is “within the framework of international law” but said he will convey the concerns.
What cooperation he was talking about is unclear. The ambassador refuted claims that North Korea had dispatched troops to engage in combat with Russian forces.
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, informed reporters later on Monday that the two countries’ collaboration is “not directed against third countries.”
As reported by the Russian state news outlet Tass, he said that it “should not worry anyone”.
Regarding the accusations, Pyongyang has remained silent.
Although South Korea claims the current situation goes beyond the transfer of military items, the country has long accused the North of providing Russia with weaponry to use in the conflict with Ukraine.
