During a Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Russia’s envoy to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, questioned why allies like North Korea cannot assist Moscow in its ongoing war against Ukraine, especially when Western nations claim the right to support Kyiv. His comments came in response to a direct challenge from representatives of the United States, Britain, South Korea, Ukraine, and others, who accused Russia of violating UN resolutions and the foundational UN Charter by deploying troops from North Korea (DPRK) to bolster its military efforts.
South Korea’s UN Ambassador, Joonkook Hwang, firmly stated, “Supporting an act of aggression, which completely violates the principles of the UN Charter, is illegal.” He emphasized that any actions involving the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia contravene multiple UN Security Council resolutions. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin noted that approximately 10,000 North Korean troops are already stationed in eastern Russia, likely to be utilized in combat operations in the Kursk region, which is close to the Ukrainian border.
In his defense, Nebenzia argued that Russia’s military collaboration with North Korea does not breach international law. He criticized the West for imposing a double standard, questioning why the US and its allies are permitted to assist Ukraine while denying similar rights to Russia’s allies.
Ukraine’s UN Ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya, countered that “none of the countries that provide assistance to Ukraine is under Security Council sanctions.” He labeled receiving aid from North Korea, which is fully sanctioned by the UN since 2006 for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as a “brazen violation of the UN Charter.” He described the sending of North Korean troops to support Russia’s actions in Ukraine as a clear violation of international law.
While North Korea has not confirmed the deployment of its troops, its UN Ambassador, Song Kim, stated that any such action would be in accordance with international law. He indicated that North Korea and Russia maintain close communication regarding mutual security and the evolving situation.
US Deputy Ambassador Robert Woodward issued a stern warning to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stating, “Should DPRK’s troops enter Ukraine in support of Russia, they will surely return in body bags.” He advised Kim to reconsider any plans involving such “reckless and dangerous behavior.”