"Cooperation between the Russian Federation and North Korea is carried out within the framework of international law and is not directed against the security interests of the Republic of Korea," the spokesperson said.
"During the conversation, Kim Hong Kyun outlined the position of the Republic of Korea’s government on the issue of ‘transferring North Korean military personnel to Russian territory for further participation in military operations in Ukraine," the embassy said.
Kim called Russia-North Korea’s tight military cooperation a serious security threat not only for South Korea, but for the international community, as well as a violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions and the UN Charter, as stated by South Korea's Foreign Ministry. He strongly urged for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops and cessation of related cooperation.
Kim warned that in response to actions threatening the core security interests of South Korea, the country will cooperate with the international community using all possible means.
Earlier in the day, the South Korean Foreign Ministry summoned Russian ambassador Georgy Zinoviev to express regret over North Korea allegedly sending its soldiers to aid Russia in the Ukrainian conflict. The talk was held with Kim Hong Kyun, South Korea’s first deputy foreign minister.