The UN calls it “Kim regime” instead of DPRK.
Ukraine: “North Korea Reconnaissance General Director Ri Chang-ho to Russia”
During the Security Council meeting on Ukraine held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the 30th of last month (local time), South Korea, the United States, North Korea, and Russia exchanged harsh words over the dispatch of North Korean troops to Russia. South Korea and the United States criticized the decision, using expressions such as “bullet cannon” and “expendables,” while North Korea and Russia claimed that the decision was made for their own security.
Hwang Jun-guk, South Korea’s ambassador to the United Nations, criticized, “There are concerns that the North Korean military will become a bullet point, and the money the soldiers received from Russia will end up in Kim Jong-un’s pocket.”
Robert Wood, the U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, also called North Korea the ‘Kim (Jong-un) regime’ instead of the country’s name (DPRK) and warned, “Sending North Korean troops will lead to a dangerous situation, and North Korean troops will return in body bags.”
On the other hand, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nevenja repeated his claim that there was no problem with sending North Korean troops. He said, “It was done transparently in accordance with international law and was not aimed at a third country.” Kim Sung, North Korea’s ambassador to the United Nations, said, “If the United States and the West continue to threaten Russia’s sovereignty and security, we have no choice but to make unnecessary decisions.” There is an analysis that the unnecessary decision means the participation of dispatched North Korean troops in combat.
Meanwhile, according to Reuters on the 31st, the Ukrainian government disclosed the names of three North Korean generals who accompanied North Korean troops deployed to Russia. In a statement submitted to the UN Security Council a day earlier, the Ukrainian delegation announced that Kim Yong-bok, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army, Ri Chang-ho, Director of the Reconnaissance General Department, and Major General Shin Geum-chol of the People’s Army recently entered Russia.
New York = Correspondent Lim Woo-sun [email protected]
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Interview between Time.news Editor and UN Affairs Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we are delving into a significant and complex situation emerging from the recent UN Security Council meeting regarding North Korea’s military involvement in Russia. Joining us is Dr. Sarah Chen, an expert in international relations and North Korean affairs. Dr. Chen, thank you for being with us today.
Dr. Chen: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this crucial topic.
Editor: Let’s start with the recent heated exchanges in the UN. South Korea and the US have expressed serious concerns about North Korean troops being dispatched to Russia. What implications does this have for regional security?
Dr. Chen: The concerns raised by South Korea and the United States are indeed valid. Referring to North Korean troops as “bullet cannon” and “expendables” underscores their serious worries about the potential for a proxy conflict, where North Korean troops could be used in combat situations that neither Russia nor North Korea fully control. This not only endangers the soldiers involved but could escalate tensions in an already volatile region.
Editor: It’s alarming to think of the consequences. Robert Wood, the U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the UN, referred to the North Korean government as the “Kim regime” instead of using the formal name, DPRK. Why does this terminology matter?
Dr. Chen: The shift in terminology serves both a political and psychological purpose. By labeling North Korea as the “Kim regime,” the U.S. emphasizes the regime’s oppressive and militaristic nature, distancing the North Korean people from their leadership. It’s a form of political messaging aimed at rallying international opinion against Kim Jong-un’s government, particularly in light of its military actions and alliances with Russia.
Editor: Speaking of alliances, Russia defended its decision to allow North Korean troops, claiming it was in accordance with international law. Is there a legal basis for this?
Dr. Chen: Russia’s assertion highlights the complexity of international law. While states have the right to form military alliances and mobilize troops, the context matters significantly. If these troops are being sent for aggressive military purposes, as implied by the involvement in the Ukraine conflict, it could raise legal and ethical concerns under international law. The situation is precarious, as many nations may view this as a violation of norms designed to prevent aggression.
Editor: North Korea’s ambassador made a pointed statement, suggesting that further threats to Russia’s sovereignty would lead to “unnecessary decisions.” What do you interpret this to mean?
Dr. Chen: That statement is quite telling. It indicates a readiness on North Korea’s part to escalate its military engagements if it feels threatened. The phrase “unnecessary decisions” likely refers to the potential for North Korean troops to actively participate in combat operations in Ukraine, an alarming development that could have widespread ramifications for international stability.
Editor: Recently, Ukraine disclosed the names of three North Korean generals linked to this troop deployment. How significant are these individuals in the broader context of military strategy?
Dr. Chen: The presence of high-level military officials like Kim Yong-bok, Ri Chang-ho, and Shin Geum-chol is significant. It suggests that North Korea is not merely sending foot soldiers but is involved in strategic military planning with Russia. Their involvement indicates that North Korea is positioning itself as an active military player in the conflict, which could shift dynamics on the ground, especially if they engage in combat operations.
Editor: In closing, Dr. Chen, what do you foresee as the next steps for the international community in addressing this situation?
Dr. Chen: The international community must act swiftly to engage in diplomatic dialogue. Collective action through the UN is crucial to prevent this alliance from further destabilizing not only the Korean Peninsula but also the broader geopolitical landscape. Increased sanctions, heightened diplomatic pressure, and a return to negotiations could serve as potential paths forward to mitigate the risks posed by North Korea’s military activities in support of Russia.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your insights into this critical issue. It seems we are witnessing a pivotal moment in international relations, and understanding the nuances is more important than ever.
Dr. Chen: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s essential that we continue to monitor these developments closely.
Editor: This has been an enlightening discussion. We appreciate your expertise, and we hope to have you back as this situation evolves. Thank you for joining us today at Time.news.