EU: Involvement of North Korean troops on Russian side demonstrates Russia is not interested in peace

The European Union, through High Representative Josep Borrell, has issued a stark warning about North Korea’s military involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine, describing it as “a serious breach of international law” that threatens global security.

The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, with their potential direct involvement against Ukraine on the frontlines, would mark North Korea’s shift from providing military aid and supplies to becoming an active participant in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“The European Union is deeply alarmed by reports that the D​PRK is sending troops to participate in Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,” Borrell stated. “This would constitute a serious breach of international law, including the most fundamental principles of the UN Charter.”

The statement emphasized that Russia’s deepening military cooperation with North Korea reveals its true intentions regarding peace negotiations.

“Despite its stated readiness to negotiate, Russia is not sincerely interested in a just, comprehensive and lasting peace. On the contrary, Russia is escalating and desperately seeking any help for its war, including from actors that are severely disrupting global peace and security,” the EU High Representative declared.

Of particular concern is Russia’s shifting stance on North Korean denuclearization. The EU highlighted Foreign Minister Lavrov’s recent statements as evidence that “Russia relinquishes its key obligations from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),” compromising its responsibilities as a permanent UN Security Council member.

The warning comes as Ukraine’s Military Intelligence reported the arrival of the first North Korean military units in Kursk Oblast on 23 October, following training at Russian military facilities. Previously, the White House confirmed earlier Ukrainian reports about 3,000 North Korean troops being sent to Russia.

Borrell emphasized the interconnected nature of regional security with global security and the direct impact of distant countries such as North Korea on European security: “The D​PRK’s ongoing support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine illustrates how closely linked European security is to that of the Indo-Pacific.” He confirmed that the EU will coordinate with international partners on appropriate responses to this development.

Related: