When Russia invaded Ukraine, almost 1000 days ago, the General Assembly was clear in its condemnation: it deplored Russia’s aggression in the strongest terms, demanded its full withdrawal and declared Russia’s invasion to be in violation of the UN Charter.
Only five countries voted against, including the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Today the DPRK’s support for Russia goes even further. Pyongyang provides significant support to Russia by supplying munitions, arms, and other materiel, and now 10,000 troops have arrived in Russia, with a significant number believed to be deploying to Kursk.
In addition to aiding Russia’s ongoing violation of the UN Charter, and a UN Member State’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, this cooperation between Russia and the DPRK is a direct violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions.
Russia voted for these resolutions. Now it violates them. This undermines not only international peace and security, but also the Security Council itself.
Council members have repeatedly condemned these violations, yet the transfers continue.
This latest development, Russia’s training and deployment of DPRK troops, is a significant step further for both countries. Russia has now suffered over 600,000 casualties. Instead of sending other countries’ sons to die for the imperialistic whims of one man, they should end the war now.
Russia is not just paying for this invasion in the lives of young men. Defence and security will consume over 40% of state spending next year.
We can be sure that DPRK will be extracting a high price from Russia in return for the transfer of its troops, including military assistance. This risks further raising tensions on the Korean peninsula and undermining regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
A DPRK with improved military technology and enhanced capacity to export weapons, could fuel instability in vulnerable conflict areas around the world. An escalation of violence and expansion of the battlefield is in no one’s interest.
It is clear that a desperate and impoverished Russia needs external support for this war to continue. Any country providing assistance to Russia’s aggression is thereby prolonging Russia’s illegal war.
But Russia’s desperation will not deter our resolve to support Ukraine to exercise its right to self-defence in line with the UN Charter, and to protect their people and sovereignty.
