Ukraine Conflict Becomes ‘World War’ with North Korea in the Mix, Says Former U.S. Envoy

John Sullivan, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, has warned that North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war has expanded the conflict beyond Europe, transforming it into a global security crisis.

In an interview with Maeil Business Newspaper on Wednesday, Sullivan stressed that the events in Ukraine inevitably have global repercussions, affecting regions such as the Middle East and North Pacific. He described the situation as an unprecedented development that raises security risks worldwide.

Sullivan elaborated that North Korea’s deployment of troops is now a serious concern not only for South Korea but also for the United States. “The war in Ukraine has become a worldwide issue, directly threatening peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,” he added.

Serving as U.S. Ambassador to Russia from February 2020 to September 2022, Sullivan was in Moscow when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. A seasoned diplomacy and foreign affairs expert, Sullivan predicts a long conflict as Russian President Vladimir Putin appears determined to press on while Ukraine’s resolve remains firm.

In the context of the ongoing war, former President Donald Trump has claimed he would bring the conflict to an end “within 24 hours” if re-elected. Sullivan, however, views this as an impractical promise. 

He predicts that, with the Ukraine war evolving into a global conflict, any attempt to end it could be seen as the U.S. stepping back from an intricate world war. As a result, he noted, it would be difficult for any future U.S. president to make such a decision.

Given the protracted nature of the war, he advised South Korea to take proactive measures. He suggested that even if hostilities cease, the outcome is likely to resemble a ceasefire rather than a formal peace. Sullivan urged South Korea to consider this perspective when assessing its support for Ukraine.