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Kyiv, Seoul discuss North Korea's role in Ukraine war

29.10.2024 12:00
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday he had talked to the South Korean president to discuss the involvement of North Korean forces in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelensky.
Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: PAP/Viktor Kovalchuk

"I had a call with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol," Zelensky announced in a post on the X social media platform.

"The conclusion is clear—this war is becoming internationalized, extending beyond two countries," he said.

Zelensky said in his post that he shared data about the deployment of "3,000 North Korean troops to Russian training grounds near the combat zone, with their presence expected to increase to approximately 12,000."

The Ukrainian leader added that he and his South Korean counterpart "agreed to strengthen intelligence and expertise exchange, intensify contacts at all levels, especially the highest, in order to develop an action strategy and countermeasures to address this escalation, and to engage our mutual partners in cooperation."

Zelensky also said that he thanked South Korea for its "consistent support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for the financial and humanitarian assistance already provided and pledged."

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.

Tuesday is day 979 of Russia's war on Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters, Ukrinform