In a firm response to recent developments, South Korea and the European Union have jointly condemned North Korea’s transfer of military arms and personnel to Russia, labeling these actions as violations of international law. This official position was outlined in a joint statement released on Tuesday. The condemnation comes amid reports that Russia has deployed over 3,000 North Korean soldiers in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, as detailed in a joint statement by South Korean and EU officials.
The deployment of North Korean troops was highlighted in a recently held White House press briefing, indicating that these troops were moved to Eastern Russia between early to mid-October. Such military support, including arms transfers, has been judged as breaches of several United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Since 2006, the UNSC has imposed sanctions targeting North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities. These sanctions prohibit the transfer of military materials, particularly heavy weaponry, to and from North Korea. The South Korean government has accused Russia of violating these restrictions, arguing that any arms trade with North Korea undermines regional stability.
The European Union has further emphasized that deploying North Korean soldiers in Ukraine contravenes international law as it suggests participation in what is widely regarded as a war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine. This act is negated by Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force. Exceptions exist only in cases of self-defense or action authorized by the UNSC, neither of which apply to Russia’s activities in Ukraine. The International Court of Justice has underscored that defensive measures must be proportional and necessary, criteria unmet by Russia’s offensives.
While North Korea and Russia have yet to confirm officially the deployment of the troops, North Korea maintains that such actions would be compliant with international law. This stance follows the ratification of a mutual defense pact between North Korea and Russia in June, reflecting an expansion of military cooperation between the two nations.
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