South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol received a Ukrainian delegation led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov against the backdrop of the DPRK's assistance to Russia in the war. The meeting was reported by KBS WORLD and the press service of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. The parties agreed to continue exchanging intelligence information on the deployment of North Korean troops on Russian territory and the transfer of weapons and equipment.
Yoon Suk Yeol said that his country, together with Ukraine, would effectively respond to security threats caused by cooperation between Russia and the DPRK. Umerov also met with Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun.
‘I informed him about the participation of a 12,000-strong contingent of North Korean troops in the Russian army. The DPRK troops not only provide equipment and people, but also actively support strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure,’ Umerov said.
He believes that these actions pose a serious threat to the Republic of Korea, as North Korean troops are gaining experience in combat operations, which could create additional security challenges in the region in the future.
Together with President Yoon Suk Yeol, they discussed joint steps to strengthen security and stability.