Brussels: The European Union has demanded the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops from Russia and vowed to coordinate with international partners to address the escalating situation. This call was made during a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, according to Ukrinform.
“In view of the dangerous escalation associated with the transfer of North Korean troops to Russia, we are working closely with international partners to respond to this issue,” stated the EU.
EU Condemns Military Cooperation
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell criticized the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. This collaboration includes Russia’s purchase of North Korean ballistic missiles, which violates several UN Security Council resolutions. Reports indicate these missiles and ammunition have been used against Ukraine, actions the EU described as both destabilizing and illegal.
“These actions threaten regional and international peace and security. We strongly urge Russia and North Korea to immediately end their illegal military cooperation and withdraw North Korean troops from Russian soil,” the EU emphasized.
Broader Concerns Over Russian Aggression
The EU reiterated its demand for Russia to halt its aggression against Ukraine. The bloc called for the withdrawal of all Russian troops and military equipment from Ukrainian territory within its internationally recognized borders, urging an end to the ongoing destruction and human suffering.
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Additionally, the EU criticized military support provided to Russia by countries like North Korea, Belarus, and Iran. “We call on all nations to refrain from providing any material aid or support to Russia’s war of aggression, which is a clear violation of international law, including the UN Charter and OSCE principles,” the EU added.
North Korean Troops in Hostilities
U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel confirmed that most of the 10,000 North Korean soldiers sent to Russia are already engaged in combat alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region, as reported by Ukrinform.
