Foreign Ministers of 10 Countries and EU Voice Grave Concerns on North Korean Troop Deployment to Russia

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the High Representative of the European Union expressed their concern about the deployment of North Korean soldiers to participate in Russia’s war against Ukraine and are preparing a coordinated response.

The ministers emphasized that this development could potentially escalate Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and have serious implications for peace and security across Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

According to the joint statement, thousands of DPRK soldiers are now stationed in Russia, likely to support its battlefield operations. This deployment is seen as a direct endorsement of Russia’s aggression and, according to the ministers, underscores Russia’s growing need to seek foreign assistance to address its battlefield challenges.

The ministers expressed alarm over increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly in areas related to ballistic missile exchanges. Russia’s acquisition of DPRK missiles, which contravenes several UN Security Council resolutions, is viewed as a severe threat to global stability.

Furthermore, there are rising concerns about potential transfers of nuclear or ballistic technology from Russia to North Korea, which would further violate international mandates. The statement called on Pyongyang to immediately cease any support for Russia’s war efforts.

Reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine’s defense, the ministers pledged to continue supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.