On Monday, South Korea‘s foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Seoul to express its concerns regarding the reported deployment of North Korean troops to Russia for use in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a coordinated international response.

First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun met with Georgy Zinoviev, the Russian ambassador, and called for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean forces from Russian territory, as stated by the ministry.

Kim highlighted that the involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict in Ukraine contravenes U.N. resolutions and the U.N. charter, posing significant risks to South Korea’s security and that of the wider region.

The ministry quoted Kim as stating, “We strongly condemn North Korea’s unlawful military collaboration, including the sending of troops to Russia.” He further asserted, “We will collaborate with the international community to utilize all available measures against actions that jeopardize our fundamental security interests.”

Calls to the Russian embassy went unanswered. The ministry indicated that Zinoviev informed Kim he would pass the message to Moscow.

Last week, South Korea’s intelligence agency reported that North Korea had dispatched 1,500 special forces troops to Russia’s Far East for training and acclimatization at local military installations, with the expectation that they would soon be deployed in combat in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has accused North Korea of preparing to send 10,000 soldiers to Russia and, on Sunday, urged a strong response from nations that have recognized North Korea’s growing involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.

A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council stated on Friday that they could not verify reports of North Korean troops fighting for Russia, but noted that if accurate, it would represent a significant escalation in Russia’s war against Ukraine. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and NATO chief Mark Rutte also mentioned last week that there was currently no evidence of North Korean forces being present.

On Monday, South Korea’s defense ministry announced that Seoul had consulted with Washington prior to the intelligence agency’s report, condemning what it termed North Korea’s unlawful involvement in Ukraine and calling for an immediate cessation of such actions.

Russia and North Korea have refuted claims of arms transfers while committing to enhance their military cooperation, having signed a mutual defense agreement during a summit in June. Additionally, the Kremlin has rejected South Korean allegations suggesting that North Korea might have dispatched military personnel to assist Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.