South Korea Protests North Korean Troop Deployment in Russia

South Korea has summoned the Russian ambassador to express strong concerns over North Korea's deployment of 1,500 special forces soldiers to Russia for potential combat in Ukraine. This marks North Korea's first overseas troop deployment and follows a military agreement between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin. South Korea's Vice Foreign Minister, Kim Hong-kyun, urged for the immediate withdrawal of these troops, citing violations of UN Security Council resolutions and posing a significant threat to regional and international security. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned this military collaboration, warning it could escalate the conflict further. Although the White House has not confirmed these reports, they acknowledge that if true, it represents a dangerous development in the ongoing war. Both Russia and North Korea have denied allegations of military personnel transfers and arms deals.