The European Union has called for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops from Russian territory and is coordinating with international partners to address the situation. This stance was outlined during a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, as reported by 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," the EU stated.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, had earlier condemned the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
This includes Russia's purchase of North Korean ballistic missiles, which violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Russia has reportedly used these missiles and ammunition against Ukraine, actions the EU described as 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 added.
The EU also reiterated its demand for Russia to cease its aggression against Ukraine, withdraw all troops and military equipment from Ukrainian territory within its internationally recognized borders, and end the suffering and destruction caused by the war.
Additionally, the EU condemned the military support Russia continues to receive from third countries, including 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 statement said.
As reported by Ukrinform, U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel confirmed that most of the 10,000 North Korean soldiers sent to Russia are already participating in hostilities alongside Russian troops in the Kursk region.
