Ukraine deepens cooperation with South Korea amid growing ties between Russia and North Korea - ISW

The US Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports.

On February 28, a meeting took place in Kyiv between Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Serhiy Boiev and a South Korean delegation led by National Assembly member Yoo Yong-won. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation and North Korea’s involvement in the war on Russia’s side.

Special attention was given to exchanging experience in the defense industry. South Korean representatives expressed interest in holding a joint seminar for Ukrainian and Korean defense companies.

ISW noted that this meeting took place shortly after Seoul reported North Korea deploying 1,000 to 3,000 troops to Russia's Kursk region in January-February 2025.

• On February 27, South Korean intelligence reported that North Korea had deployed additional forces in the Kursk region of Russia, but the exact size of the contingent is currently unknown. According to analysts, these forces are intended to strengthen the Russian army in the war against Ukraine.