South Korea has issued a formal request to the Russian embassy in Seoul, demanding the removal of a prominent banner proclaiming "victory will be ours" as the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine looms. The Korean foreign ministry confirmed the diplomatic move, stating it aligns with Seoul's position that Russia's military actions in Ukraine are illegal under international law.
Diplomatic Request Over Controversial Banner
The ministry disclosed that it had asked Russian officials in the capital to take down the banner but did not specify whether a response had been received. The massive 15-metre display, adorned in the red, blue, and white colours of the Russian flag, features the message in Russian and was observed hanging from the roof of the embassy's outer wall in central Seoul. Despite the ministry's request, the banner remained visible on Monday, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic friction.
South Korea's Stance on the Ukraine Conflict
In a strongly worded statement, the ministry condemned Russia's invasion as an illegal act and expressed grave concerns over military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. "Russia's invasion of Ukraine constitutes an illegal act... military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is a clear violation of the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions, posing a serious threat to South Korea's security and therefore must be halted," the ministry asserted.
The ministry also referenced recent public remarks by Russian ambassador Georgy Zinoview, who praised North Korean soldiers for their involvement in fighting Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. This has further escalated tensions, with Seoul vowing to closely monitor embassy activities, including a pro-war rally anticipated for Tuesday, marking the war's entry into its fifth year.
Broader Implications and South Korea's Support for Ukraine
South Korea has consistently supported Ukraine's sovereignty against President Vladimir Putin's invasion, providing intelligence on North Korean troops participating in the conflict. The country has joined US-led sanctions against Moscow and delivered humanitarian and financial aid to Kyiv. However, in line with its policy of not supplying weapons to nations actively engaged in conflicts, Seoul has refrained from directly arming Ukraine.
Despite this, reports indicate that South Korea is considering joining Nato's Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, which would enable allies to supply US arms to Kyiv. This potential shift underscores Seoul's evolving stance as it navigates complex geopolitical dynamics while addressing security threats posed by the Russia-North Korea alliance.
The diplomatic request over the banner reflects broader regional anxieties, with South Korea emphasising the need to uphold international norms and protect its national security amidst escalating global tensions.
