Russia’s representative to the United Nations raised concerns on Wednesday regarding the lack of support from its allies, such as North Korea, in its conflict with Ukraine, especially in light of Western nations asserting their right to assist Kyiv.

During a Security Council meeting, Vassily Nebenzia encountered strong opposition from representatives of the United States, Britain, South Korea, Ukraine, and others, who accused Russia of breaching U.N. resolutions and the foundational U.N. Charter by deploying troops from North Korea (DPRK) to aid its efforts.

“Supporting an act of aggression that fundamentally contravenes the principles of the U.N. Charter is unlawful,” stated South Korea’s U.N. Ambassador Joonkook Hwang. “Any actions related to the DPRK’s troop deployment to Russia constitute clear violations of several U.N. Security Council Resolutions.”

According to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, approximately 10,000 North Korean troops are already stationed in eastern Russia, and it is anticipated that they will be utilized in combat operations in Russia’s Kursk region, which borders Ukraine.

Nebenzia stated that Russia’s military cooperation with North Korea does not breach international law. Russia has not refuted the presence of North Korean forces in the conflict it has been conducting in Ukraine since February 2022.

“Even if all the claims made by our Western counterparts regarding the collaboration between Russia and North Korea are accurate, why do the United States and its allies insist on the flawed notion that they have the right to support the Zelenskiy administration while denying similar rights to Russian allies?” Nebenzia remarked.

In response, Ukraine’s U.N. Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya asserted, “None of the nations providing aid to Ukraine are subject to Security Council sanctions.” He further stated, “Accepting support from North Korea, which is fully sanctioned, constitutes a blatant violation of the U.N. Charter.

The deployment of DPRK troops to assist Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine is a clear infringement of international law.” North Korea has been under U.N. Security Council sanctions since 2006, with these measures being progressively intensified over the years to prevent the advancement of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

North Korea has not confirmed the deployment of troops to Russia, but stated that any such action would align with international law.

North Korea’s U.N. Ambassador Song Kim informed the council, “If Russia’s sovereignty and security are threatened by ongoing aggressive actions from the United States and the West, and if it is deemed necessary to respond, we will make an appropriate decision.”

He added, “Pyongyang and Moscow are in close communication regarding mutual security and the evolving situation.”

In contrast, U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood issued a warning to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stating, “If DPRK troops were to enter Ukraine in support of Russia, they would undoubtedly return in body bags. I strongly advise Chairman Kim to reconsider engaging in such reckless and perilous actions.”