Top security officials from South Korea, the United States, and Japan convened to assess that North Korea may receive satellite technology, nuclear technology, or intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology from Russia in exchange for deploying a significant number of troops. The three nations agreed to devise phased response strategies and actively collaborate to address this situation.
According to South Korea’s Presidential Office, Shin Won Sik, South Korea’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, and Akiba Takeo, Japan’s National Security Advisor, held a meeting in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. They expressed serious concern regarding the illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea and urged both nations to halt the transfer of weapons and troops.
Significantly, the three countries discussed the specific roles of North Korean troops expected to be deployed in the Ukraine conflict and deliberated on phased response measures regarding the military technology North Korea could acquire from Russia. After the meeting, a senior South Korean official briefed Washington correspondents, indicating that compensation for North Korean troop deployments could involve sensitive technology, including satellite, nuclear, and ICBM-related technology. He noted that North Korea, facing deficiencies, might also seek conventional strategies, air defense capabilities, and aircraft-related technology. The official added that the three countries collaborated on strategies to manage these potential scenarios.
The official further explained that if North Korea sends large-scale troops to Russia, compensation would be inevitable and likely linked to the technology transfers discussed in the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed in June. He anticipated that the government would explore various options as the scope of technology transfer becomes clearer.
In a bilateral meeting with Sullivan the previous day, Shin also engaged in detailed discussions regarding potential scenarios and response measures that could arise depending on the progress of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
The South Korean government is considering providing lethal weapons support if North Korean troops engage in actual combat in Ukraine. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated during a joint press conference following his summit with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday, “We will support Ukraine in stages depending on North Korea’s movements.” However, regarding this, a senior official from the Presidential Office clarified, “Discussions have not progressed to the point of providing lethal weapons, personnel, or troops to Ukraine. There are various diplomatic and economic means available,” explaining that immediate provision of lethal weapons is not on the table.
The official noted that North Korean troops are currently engaged in adaptation training in eastern Russia. The next phase potentially involves a westward movement toward Ukraine and possible deployment to the frontlines. He explained that these troops could be placed on active battlefields or assigned to support roles in the rear, such as base security or transporting military supplies, outlining various possible stages for their involvement.
South Korea’s Presidential Office also indicated that China might be uneasy about North Korea’s troop deployment. A senior official remarked, “Although China has not officially stated its position, they might be uncomfortable with the troop deployment, representing the most serious aspect of the North Korea-Russia collusion. South Korea, the U.S., and Japan expect China to adopt a more constructive role regarding the illegal actions of Russia and North Korea.” Meanwhile, the security advisors of the three nations plan to coordinate efforts to support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction and to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
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