Today at 16:20
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump held a phone conversation with his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol, during which they discussed the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine.
South Korea’s First Deputy National Security Advisor Kim Tae Hyo confirmed this, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
During the conversation, Yoon congratulated Trump on his “decisive victory” in the presidential election. They discussed security, economic ties, and global issues between the two countries. According to the South Korean official, the discussion included “the situation in North Korea, recent nuclear developments, missile launches, and the deployment of troops to Russia.” They also “expressed concern over security issues and the urgency of the situation in Ukraine.”
Trump emphasized U.S. intentions to collaborate with South Korea in shipbuilding, particularly in areas like maritime construction, exports, repairs, and maintenance.
The South Korean leader’s office noted that they agreed to meet in person soon. “They shared the view that these issues need to be discussed in person and agreed to meet as soon as they can schedule a date and location,” said Yoon’s Deputy National Security Advisor.
On Tuesday, foreign ministers from G7 countries and three key allied nations voiced serious concerns about North Korean troop deployment to Russia and are working on a coordinated response.
Meanwhile, British intelligence indicated that North Korean troops involved in combat operations against Ukraine might face compatibility issues with Russian forces and equipment.
Recently, the U.S. confirmed that North Korean troops participated in combat in the Kursk region of Russia for the first time in recent days.
Read also: Trump accepted Biden’s invitation to meet at the White House – AP
