Seoul protested to Moscow on Monday over a large banner displayed at the Russian embassy declaring “Victory will be ours,” an apparent reference to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The display coincides with the approaching four-year anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion, falling on .
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry released a statement on expressing its opposition to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, including the recruitment of soldiers from North Korea, with whom Seoul remains technically at war. The ministry stated it had conveyed its position to the Russian side regarding the banner and recent remarks made by the Russian Ambassador to South Korea.
The red, white and blue banner, written in Russian, was first observed over the weekend and remained visible on the embassy grounds on morning, according to reports from Agence France-Presse and other news outlets. The timing of the banner’s appearance has drawn particular criticism given its proximity to the anniversary of the conflict.
“The South Korean government has consistently maintained the position that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an illegal act,” the Foreign Ministry’s statement read. The protest underscores Seoul’s firm stance against the war and its alignment with international efforts to condemn Russia’s aggression.
The incident follows recent comments by Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev praising the contribution of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. According to the Chosun Ilbo newspaper, Zinoviev stated that “Russia is well aware of how much North Korean troops contributed to liberating the southern part of the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces.” This statement, made during a meeting with South Korean reporters earlier in , further strained relations between Seoul and Moscow.
Intelligence agencies, both South Korean and Western, estimate that North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to fight in Russia. Seoul estimates that approximately 2,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed in action. This involvement raises concerns about potential violations of UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting the provision of military support to Russia.
Neither the Russian nor Ukrainian embassies in Seoul have yet responded to requests for comment regarding the banner or Ambassador Zinoviev’s remarks. The lack of immediate response from Moscow has fueled further criticism from Seoul.
The protest comes amid growing international scrutiny of Russia’s war effort and its reliance on external sources of manpower. The involvement of North Korean soldiers, in particular, has drawn condemnation from the United States and other Western nations. South Korea’s decision to formally protest the embassy banner signals its commitment to upholding international law and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The situation also highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. South Korea’s relationship with Russia is complicated by its alliance with the United States and its ongoing security concerns regarding North Korea. Balancing these competing interests presents a significant challenge for Seoul as it navigates the evolving international landscape.
The display of the “Victory will be ours” banner is widely seen as a provocative act by Russia, intended to demonstrate its resolve in the face of mounting international pressure. It also serves as a reminder of the human cost of the conflict, which has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.
As the fourth anniversary of the invasion approaches, the war in Ukraine shows no signs of abating. The continued fighting and the involvement of external actors, such as North Korea, raise concerns about the potential for further escalation and a prolonged conflict. South Korea’s protest is a clear indication of its unwavering support for Ukraine and its condemnation of Russia’s aggression.
The incident is likely to further strain relations between Seoul and Moscow, potentially leading to additional diplomatic repercussions. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine and upholding the principles of international law.
