South Korea demands withdrawal of North Korean troops from Russia over security concerns

South Korea has demanded the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops allegedly deployed in Russia, citing security risks. This request was made during a meeting with a Russian envoy, where South Korea condemned the military partnership as a serious threat. South Korea's intelligence agency reported that 1,500 North Korean special forces were sent to Russia this month to support the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that 10,000 North Korean soldiers might join Russian forces. Russian officials have not confirmed whether North Korean troops will fight in Ukraine. Both Russia and North Korea deny any military cooperation, despite a pact signed in June for mutual military assistance.