Seoul, Oct 16
South Korean defence ministry said Wednesday it is "closely" monitoring for signs of North Korea possibly sending troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, following media reports of Russia forming a battalion of North Koreans.
Russia is organising a special battalion that is expected to include up to 3,000 North Koreans due to manpower shortages amid concerns over deepening military cooperation between the two countries, news agency reported quoting Ukrainian media outlets.
"As there is a possibility of (North Korea) providing troops or civilian personnel, this is being closely monitored," a ministry official said when asked about the reports.
The National Intelligence Service also said it is working to verify the reports while keeping in mind that "the reports may be true."
"(We) are also cooperating with Ukraine to confirm the reports."
A foreign ministry official said the government is monitoring signs of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, and noted Seoul's "deep concern" over the reports of the cooperation expanding beyond arms trade to troop deployment.
"Any cooperation that indirectly or directly helps North Korea strengthen its military force is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions," the official said. "(We) once again urge for the halt to the illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea."
South Korea, the United States and others have accused North Korea of supplying arms to Russia to fuel its war in Ukraine in violation of UN Security Council resolutions against the North over its missile and nuclear programs.