**South Korea Summons Russian Ambassador Over Alleged Deployment of North Korean Troops to Ukraine**

South Korea has taken swift diplomatic action against Russia following reports that North Korea has deployed troops to assist Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This development has heightened tensions in the region, with South Korea condemning the move as a violation of international law and a direct threat to its security.

The South Korean foreign ministry expressed strong disapproval of North Korea's alleged military support for Russia. Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun summoned Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev to voice South Korea's objections. "We condemn North Korea's illegal military cooperation, including its dispatch of troops to Russia, in the strongest terms," Kim stated, emphasizing that his country would collaborate with the international community to address threats to its core security interests.

In response, Ambassador Zinoviev defended Russia's actions, asserting that their cooperation with North Korea complied with international law and was not intended to target South Korea. His remarks were shared in a Facebook post by the Russian embassy.

The controversy stems from unconfirmed reports suggesting North Korea has sent 1,500 special forces to train at Russian military bases in the Far East, with the possibility of them being deployed to Ukraine. These claims were bolstered by South Korea's intelligence service, which collaborates with Ukrainian intelligence using advanced technologies to identify North Korean military officers in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reinforced these concerns by alleging that North Korea had dispatched an additional 10,000 troops to Russia. South Korea's defense ministry, in consultation with the U.S., expressed apprehension over these developments. While the White House National Security Council could not confirm the reports, they acknowledged that such actions would signify a dangerous escalation in the conflict.

Mark Rutte, NATO's Secretary-General, echoed this sentiment. He revealed on social media platform X that he had discussed the matter with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, stressing that the introduction of North Korean troops to the Ukrainian conflict would constitute a significant escalation.

As tensions rise, the international community remains vigilant, monitoring the situation closely while diplomatic efforts continue to address the potential threat to regional and global stability.