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Amid rising tensions, South Korea is contemplating a major policy shift by considering the deployment of weapons to Ukraine. This development follows allegations that North Korea plans to deploy thousands of soldiers to bolster Russia's presence on Ukraine's front lines.

According to reports from Yonhap news agency, an unnamed senior presidential official disclosed on Tuesday that South Korea could potentially supply Ukraine with both defensive and offensive weapons. Additionally, the official noted that Seoul might send military and intelligence personnel to Ukraine to analyze North Korean tactics and assist in interrogations of captured North Korean soldiers.

South Korea's National Security Council has issued a firm statement calling for the "immediate withdrawal" of North Korean troops from Russia and warning of "phased countermeasures" in response to the situation. This stance represents one of the strongest reactions from Seoul to date, underscoring growing concerns over North Korea's deeper involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

Recent intelligence from South Korea indicated that North Korea already sent approximately 1,500 special forces to Russia and is planning to increase this number to around 12,000 troops from an elite unit. While U.S. and NATO officials have not confirmed these deployments, they have condemned the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, which includes the supply of artillery and missiles for use in Ukraine.

Western nations have long urged South Korea, a prominent weapons exporter, to directly supply Ukraine. South Korea has been hesitant, worrying that such actions might provoke Russia to strengthen military ties with North Korea, which could potentially include advanced weaponry aimed at Seoul. However, analysts suggest Seoul's strategic perspectives may be changing as North Korea-Russia relations continue to grow.

Earlier this year, North Korea and Russia revitalized a Cold War-era mutual defense treaty, paving the way for extensive military cooperation. By sending troops to Ukraine, North Korea could gain battlefield experience, financial aid to support its economy, and set the stage for future joint military exercises with Russia.

In South Korea, there are significant concerns that Pyongyang may seek advanced military technology from Moscow, possibly aiding its nuclear, missile, or satellite programs. This situation likely explains South Korea's robust response to North Korea's involvement in Ukraine. Mason Richey, a professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, highlighted that Seoul feels compelled to act as it perceives North Korea gaining valuable resources from the troop deployment.

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s approach to foreign policy — "peace through strength" — might be influencing the decision to arm Ukraine. According to Ben Engel, a political science professor at Dankook University, South Korea may need to show strength by explicitly supplying Ukraine with weapons.

Until now, South Korea has provided weapons to intermediaries like the United States and Poland, which then supply these arms to Ukraine directly. South Korean officials often cite domestic laws that restrict arms exports to active conflict zones as the reason for this indirect approach. However, President Yoon has hinted that these regulations could be circumvented, possibly by using a legal loophole designed to allow aid to developing nations.

Public opinion in South Korea appears largely opposed to arming Ukraine, although the subject has not fostered extensive debate. Some experts suggest that South Korea may also be waiting to see the results of the upcoming U.S. election before making any decisive moves, especially given former President Donald Trump's indications that he would reduce support for Ukraine.

Experts caution that the evolving strategic alliance between North Korea and Russia presents long-term challenges that could threaten South Korea's national security. Hyun Seung-soo, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, emphasized that the relationship between North Korea and Russia is evolving well beyond immediate military cooperation. He warned that this alignment could significantly alter the global political landscape, affecting South Korea profoundly.