Seoul
South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Monday defended the proposal to send a team of observers to Ukraine, stressing its importance for national security. Kim clarified that the proposed team would not be military personnel, but a small group of professionals deployed unarmed and for a short period to gather critical information, especially regarding North Korean combat tactics and the interrogation of captured soldiers.
During a parliamentary defence committee session, Kim emphasized that this monitoring mission is distinct from deploying troops to Ukraine. He stressed that the initiative would align with South Korea’s national interests, rather than being driven by external requests from Ukraine or international bodies like the United Nations.
Kim also ruled out the possibility of sending combat troops to Ukraine, citing the mission’s focus on collecting intelligence to bolster South Korea’s security. This decision follows a recent visit by a South Korean delegation to Ukraine and NATO in Brussels, aimed at addressing concerns over North Korean military cooperation with Russia.
The monitoring team’s proposed role would provide valuable insights, strengthening South Korea’s defense strategy and contributing to the global understanding of North Korea’s military strategies.
