President Zelenskyy Speaks With South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

On October 29, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to address the recent involvement of North Korean military forces in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for South Korea’s consistent support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its financial and humanitarian assistance already provided and pledged.

During the discussion, Zelenskyy shared new intelligence indicating that 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russian training sites near active combat zones, with their numbers expected to increase to approximately 12,000.

This situation, Zelenskyy noted, signals a escalation of the war beyond the original parties involved, stating, “This war is becoming international and reaching beyond two nations.”

Both leaders agreed to strengthen intelligence-sharing efforts and expert collaboration. They also resolved to enhance communication at all levels, especially at the highest ranks, to develop a strategic response and measures to counter the growing escalation. As part of this collaboration, Ukraine and South Korea will exchange delegations in the near future to coordinate further actions.

In addition, Zelenskyy invited South Korea to join the G7 Vilnius Declaration.

Earlier, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol indicated a potential shift in his country’s stance on arms support to Ukraine, conditional on the extent of North Korean involvement in Russia’s war agaist Ukraine. In a statement following his meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda in Seoul, Yoon said South Korea could consider supplying Ukraine with weapons “step by step” if North Korea intensifies its military role in the war.

On October 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy referenced intelligence reports indicating North Korea’s de facto involvement in the ongoing war, after reports had emerged indicating that more than 20 soldiers were killed near Donetsk due to a missile strike on October 3, including six North Korean officers.