North Korean Troop Deployment: "Consistent with International Law" Because It's in Russian Mainland? Unification Ministry Calls It a "Preposterous Claim"

North Korea has belatedly formalized its participation in Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. At the same time, North Korea emphasized that its troop deployment was limited solely to combat operations in the Russian mainland region of Kursk, asserting that this action was "fully consistent with international law, including the UN Charter." The South Korean government strongly criticized this, calling it a "preposterous claim."

(From left) Kim Jongun, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, and Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. Photo by Yonhap News

On April 29, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Unification told reporters that North Korea's claim that its troop deployment complies with international law is "as absurd as insisting a deer is a horse, just like the idiom 'calling a deer a horse'." The official further stated, "Russia's invasion of Ukraine itself constitutes a violation of the UN Charter, which is the highest standard in international law, and therefore cannot be legitimized in any way. North Korea's participation in such an illegal war-whether it was preceded by a declaration of intent or acknowledged after the fact-does nothing to alter the illegality of this conflict."

The Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea officially acknowledged the troop deployment the previous day through a statement released by the Korean Central News Agency. The statement asserted, "The military activities of the Republic's armed forces conducted within the territory of the Russian Federation are fully consistent with international law, including the UN Charter, as well as all provisions and the spirit of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between North Korea and Russia. This serves as an exemplary case and a model of faithful implementation."

In response, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also strongly condemned North Korea's actions, stating, "Despite numerous criticisms and consistent evidence presented by the international community, North Korea and Russia have either denied or evaded the issue of North Korean troop deployment. Now, by finally admitting to the deployment and claiming it is fully consistent with international law, they continue to mock the international community." The official added, "Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, including the deployment of North Korean troops, constitutes a grave violation of international norms, including the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions. It seriously undermines peace and stability in the international community, including the Indo-Pacific region and Europe. The government urges Russia and North Korea to immediately cease their illegal military cooperation and will take necessary measures in coordination with the international community against any actions that threaten our security."

The timing of North Korea and Russia simultaneously formalizing the deployment of North Korean troops, several months after the fact, is believed to be linked to Russia's Victory Day commemorating the end of World War II. As Russia marks the 80th anniversary of Victory Day on May 9, it is expected to highlight the recapture of Kursk as a major achievement during the event, and to promote the results of military cooperation by recognizing the role of North Korean troops.

The Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party, which officially confirmed the troop deployment, is North Korea's highest military leadership body. Although there have been statements in the past issued under the name of the commission's vice chairman, this is the first time a statement has been released in the name of the commission itself. A Ministry of Unification official interpreted this as "an indication of the highest level of official recognition, given that the issue itself concerns military cooperation with Russia."

Meanwhile, with North Korea's official confirmation of its participation in the war, North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces may now be recognized as official prisoners of war. North Korea thus becomes a belligerent party in the ongoing conflict.