Seoul: The defense ministry on Thursday criticized North Korea's troop deployment to Russia, labeling it "deceptive" and "inhumane." This condemnation follows a report indicating that a North Korean soldier, captured by Ukrainian forces, expressed a desire to relocate to South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Chosun Ilbo daily published an interview on Wednesday with one of the two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine. The soldier's wish to go to South Korea could mark the first known case since North Korea deployed approximately 11,000 troops to support Russia's involvement in the conflict against Ukraine.
Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyou, during a regular press briefing, stated, "It reaffirms how the Kim Jong-un regime's troop deployment to (the war in) Ukraine is deceptive and inhumane." Jeon also noted that there appears to be no unusual movement by the North Korean military at present.
"The defense ministry sternly condemns such behavior and urges the regime to immediately halt additional deployment," Jeon added.
On Wednesday, Seoul's foreign ministry expressed willingness to provide protection and support to any North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine who wish to come to the South.
Previously, the defense ministry assessed that North Korea had supplied Russia with missiles, 200 pieces of long-range artillery, and a substantial amount of ammunition, alongside troop deployment. The ministry projected that further troop deployment and arms provisions might occur.
North Korea has yet to confirm its deployment of troops.