Moscow has cautioned South Korea against providing lethal aid to Ukraine, warning that such a move would severely damage diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko issued the warning on Sunday, stating that supplying arms to Ukraine would have dire consequences for relations. “Seoul must realize that the possible use of South Korean weapons to kill Russian citizens will fully destroy relations between our countries,” Rudenko told the state news agency TASS. He added, “Of course, we will respond in every way that we find necessary. It is unlikely that this will strengthen the security of the Republic of Korea itself.”
The Republic of Korea, South Korea’s official name, has so far limited its support to Ukraine to humanitarian and financial aid, avoiding direct military assistance since the conflict began in February 2022. However, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol recently hinted at a possible shift in policy.
At a press conference earlier this month, Yoon stated that South Korea might reconsider its stance if North Korea’s involvement in the conflict escalates. “As the North Korean military gains experience in modern warfare, it could become a serious problem for our security,” he said on November 7. “We will not rule out weapons support to Ukraine depending on the degree of involvement of the North Korean military.”
North Korea’s reported deployment of troops to support Russia has heightened tensions. According to estimates from the U.S. and South Korean authorities, around 11,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia’s Kursk region, where intense fighting with Ukrainian forces has taken place.
Reports suggest North Korean troops have already engaged in combat operations. Over the weekend, Ukrainian media claimed 500 North Korean soldiers were killed in a missile strike involving British-made Storm Shadow missiles. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) also revealed that North Korean forces are undergoing training in advanced tactics, including drone usage, and have been integrated into Russia’s airborne brigade and marine corps.
Additionally, North Korea has reportedly sent artillery systems to Russia, including 170mm self-propelled howitzers and 240mm multiple rocket launchers.
The growing military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang has raised alarm in Seoul. The two countries signed a strategic partnership in June, which includes a mutual defense clause. South Korean officials are particularly concerned about the potential exchange of missile and nuclear technology between Russia and North Korea. South Korean intelligence has suggested that North Korea’s recent test of its Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile may have benefited from Russian technical assistance.
Amid these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned last week that North Korea could deploy up to 100,000 troops to aid Russia’s war effort.
The evolving dynamics have left South Korea weighing its next steps, as it seeks to balance its response to the North Korean threat with the broader implications for regional and global security.