South Korea Eyes Military Cooperation with NATO as North Korea Threatens Ukraine Stability

On Wednesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte by phone to discuss North Korea’s troop deployment to Russia and its potential involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

According to the Presidential Office, Yoon conveyed during the conversation that South Korea had recently sent a government delegation to Ukraine to discuss responses regarding military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Yoon mentioned they are considering hosting a special envoy from Ukraine for more in-depth discussions. He added that the South Korean government will maintain close communication with NATO as they continue consultations with Ukraine.

Rutte expressed severe concern, highlighting the significant likelihood that North Korean forces will actively engage in the Ukraine war in the near future. He emphasized that in light of the security crisis resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the illicit military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, nations that share common values—such as South Korea and NATO—must bolster their solidarity.

Rutte also revealed NATO’s decision to create a special task force to enhance cooperation between NATO and the European Union in response to escalating security threats. He emphasized the importance of close communication and collaboration between South Korea, Ukraine, and NATO. He added that NATO seeks to enhance its defense industry cooperation with South Korea from a long-term strategic standpoint.

This marks the third conversation between the two leaders since Rutte took office on October 1. In a previous call on October 28, they also discussed North Korea’s potential troop deployments to Russia.