A spokesperson for the Russian embassy in Seoul stated on Monday that cooperation between Russia and DPRK is in line with international law and not directed against South Korea's security interests.

According to the spokesperson, "Cooperation between the Russian Federation and North Korea is carried out within the framework of international law and is not directed against the security interests of the Republic of Korea."

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry earlier summoned Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev to express concern over allegations that DPRK soldiers were sent to assist Russia in the Ukraine war. The discussion involved Kim Hong Kyun, South Korea’s first deputy foreign minister.

During their meeting, the first deputy foreign minister outlined South Korea’s stance on the issue of DPRK military personnel being sent to Russia for operations in Ukraine, describing the cooperation between both countries as a serious threat to both South Korea and the international community, asserting it violates United Nations Security Council resolutions and the UN Charter.

Kim urged for the immediate withdrawal of DPRK troops and an end to related cooperation. He emphasized that South Korea would work with the international community to address actions that threaten its core security interests using any means possible.

Putin submits bill to ratify strategic partnership treaty with DPRK

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted a bill to the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, to ratify the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and the DPRK, as indicated by the State Duma's electronic database.

"To ratify the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, signed in the city of Pyongyang on 19 June 2024," the document said.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and the DPRK was signed in June 2024 and is primarily aimed at strengthening the military and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

The treaty includes a mutual defense clause, stating that if either nation is attacked, the other is obligated to provide military and other forms of assistance using all available means.

This deepens their alliance amid ongoing threats from the US and its allies, including South Korea and Japan.

South Korea reacted to the defense agreement with concern, alleging that the pact poses a strategic threat to regional stability and that the treaty might embolden the DPRK's actions and strengthen its strategic position in the region.

Vice Foreign Minister for Strategy and Intelligence, Cho Koo-rae, along with counterparts from the US and Japan, issued a joint statement in June criticizing the military cooperation between DPRK and Russia.

South Korea also announced plans to reinforce its cybersecurity in collaboration with allies like the US and the UK, due to fears of potential cyberattacks coordinated by DPRK and Russia, according to The Diplomat. 

In June, South Korea decided to consider the possibility of arming Ukraine following the signing of the Russian-DPRK defense treaty.