South Korea calls North Korean troop deployment in Russia a threat to Seoul

ANKARA

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday said North Korea's deployment of troops in Russia poses a security threat to South Korea and the global community, according to local media.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Yoon said: "This illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a significant security threat to the international community and could pose a serious risk to our national securit."

"With the war in Ukraine going on for three years, North Korea has deployed troops to Russia beyond providing weapons," he added.

His statement came after NATO chief Mark Rutte on Monday said North Korean troops were deployed in Russia and called for them to "cease these actions immediately."

"We must thoroughly assess all possibilities and prepare countermeasures. I urge everyone to engage in risk management with a heightened sense of vigilance," Yoon said.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) claimed that Pyongyang has increased security around its leader, Kim Jong-un, due to fears of an assassination attempt.

Briefing lawmakers, NIS officials reported that North Korean authorities have elevated security measures for Kim.

North Korea has yet to respond to President Yoon’s statements or the NIS claims.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated after Seoul reported that Pyongyang sent nearly 3,000 soldiers to Russia, prompting South Korea to consider sending officials to Ukraine to monitor any such developments.

While Pyongyang has not directly confirmed or denied the South Korean allegations, it stated that any actions would comply with international law.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid