South Korea has claimed that North Korea is sending troops to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine, while North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has labeled the South an “enemy country.”
Kim Jong-un, leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), referred to South Korea as a “foreign country and an openly hostile nation” and warned of physical retaliation if North Korea’s sovereignty is threatened, state media reported on Friday.
These remarks were made during Kim’s inspection of the headquarters of the Korean People’s Army’s 2nd Corps on Thursday, just two days after Pyongyang destroyed South Korean roads and railways that were once seen as key symbols of inter-Korean reconciliation.
“Our military must once again bear in mind that the Republic of Korea (ROK) is a foreign country and an enemy state,” Kim was quoted as saying by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). He added that any violation of North Korean sovereignty by the ROK, now considered an enemy country, would result in the use of physical force without hesitation, regardless of circumstances.
Kim also noted that the destruction of roads and railways symbolized not only a physical closure but also the complete severance of bad relations with Seoul, effectively ending the idea of reunification.
During his visit, Kim emphasized the need to strengthen North Korea’s war-fighting capabilities and maintain constant, overwhelming combat readiness, including nuclear deterrence, to defend the nation’s security.
“The evolving nature of the ROK-US alliance and the increasingly aggressive military maneuvers of our enemies highlight the critical importance of enhancing our nuclear deterrent and demonstrating its effectiveness,” Kim said.
Kim was accompanied by Pak Jong-chon, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party, and DPRK Defense Minister No Kwang-chol during the inspection.
North Korean troops reportedly sent to Ukraine
Meanwhile, South Korea’s spy agency has claimed that North Korea has begun sending troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine.
This claim follows a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who suggested—based on intelligence reports—that up to 10,000 North Korean troops could be deployed to the conflict.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol convened a security meeting on Friday, calling for the international community to respond “with all available means.”
According to South Korea’s intelligence agency, 1,500 North Korean troops have already arrived in Russia, with sources suggesting the final number could reach closer to 12,000. This development follows previous accusations from the West that North Korea has been supplying ammunition to Russia.
However, NATO has not confirmed the allegations regarding the deployment of North Korean troops. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said they could not verify claims that North Korea has sent forces to Ukraine to assist Russia.
In recent months, Moscow and Pyongyang have deepened their cooperation. Last week, Kim Jong-un sent birthday greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him his “closest comrade.” Earlier this week, Putin introduced a bill to ratify a military agreement with North Korea, pledging mutual support in the event of aggression against either country.
