Russia Defends Military Ties with North Korea

During a recent UN Security Council meeting, Russia's envoy Vassily Nebenzia questioned the legality of Western support for Ukraine while accusing Russia of violating international law by allegedly deploying North Korean troops to assist in its conflict. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that around 10,000 North Korean troops are reportedly in Russia, particularly in the Kursk region, and he called for their withdrawal. In response, Nebenzia asserted that Russia's military cooperation with North Korea does not breach international law and dismissed claims of troop deployments as 'barefaced lies'. South Korea's UN Ambassador condemned such support as a violation of the UN Charter, emphasizing that no military assistance from sanctioned countries is permissible. Ukraine's representative also highlighted the illegality of enlisting North Korean forces, reinforcing the stance against Russia's actions. This ongoing dispute underscores the tensions surrounding international military alliances and the adherence to UN resolutions.