South Korea and the European Union have condemned jointly today North Korean arms supplies to Moscow and demanded that Pyongyang withdraw the troops it has sent to Russia to fight in its war against Ukraine, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Seoul hosts the first meeting in the “Strategic Dialogue” between the EU and South Korea. It comes shortly after the US and South Korea warned that North Korea was sending troops to help Russia.
In a joint statement, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-jul condemned the “illegal supply of arms to the Russian Federation, which is using them for attacks against Ukraine” by Pyongyang. The two called for an end to “illegal military cooperation” and withdrawal of North Korean forces.
Borrell also met with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.
„Russian aggression against Ukraine is an existential threat”, Borel wrote on the social network “X“, under a photo of him shaking hands with Kim. “The Republic of Korea is in the best position to understand it. We are united in our support for Ukraine. I encouraged them to get active,”, he added.
The EU and Seoul signed a partnership agreement in 15 areas of security and defence, including cyber security and disarmament.
Last week, in response to a question about whether South Korea would send weapons to Ukraine in response to North Korean aid to Moscow, Cho said all possible scenarios were being considered. So far, Seoul has provided non-arms aid to Ukraine, including mine-clearing equipment, but has refused requests for weapons, Reuters recalls.
Seoul expects Moscow to compensate Pyongyang for military aid with military and civilian technology amid North Korea's attempts to launch a spy satellite and upgrade its missiles.
Last week, North Korea showed its strength by testing a massive new solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile.