Fri Oct 25 12:54:49 UTC 2024: Here are the key points from the news article:

1. **South Korean Concern**: South Korea has expressed serious concern over a potential defense pact between North Korea and Russia, particularly regarding the alleged deployment of North Korean troops to Russia.

2. **Russian Legislative Action**: Russia’s lower house of parliament has voted unanimously to endorse a treaty with North Korea that establishes mutual assistance in the event of an attack, while the upper house is expected to follow suit soon.

3. **Call for Withdrawal**: South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for the “immediate withdrawal” of North Korean troops from Russia and the end of any illegal military cooperation.

4. **Presidential Statements**: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol condemned the North Korean troop deployment as a “provocation” that threatens global security and indicated potential military support for Ukraine in response.

5. **Flexibility in Arms Policy**: Yoon mentioned that South Korea might reconsider its previous non-lethal weapons supply policy depending on North Korea’s military activities.

6. **Troop Presence Noted**: U.S. and South Korean officials reported the presence of approximately 3,000 North Korean troops at various locations within Russia.

7. **Deployment in Ukraine**: Ukraine’s military intelligence noted that North Korean troops trained in Russia had been deployed near the Kursk region, close to Ukraine.

8. **Putin’s Response**: During the BRICS summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin avoided questions regarding North Korean troop movements, stating it was “our business” how Russia implements its mutual defense agreement with North Korea.

9. **North Korean Denial**: North Korea’s UN mission has dismissed claims of sending troops to Russia as “groundless” rumors.

These points highlight the rising tensions and potential military implications of developing relations between North Korea and Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Read More