Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Kyiv: Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said he had discussed joint steps to strengthen security and stability with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol while on a visit to Seoul on Wednesday.
"We believe that our arguments about the need to increase cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Korea will lead to a tangible strengthening of security for our peoples and regions," Umerov wrote in a statement on the Telegram messaging app.
Ukraine has asked Seoul in the past for a range of weapons, and Seoul has said it could consider such aid, depending on what Russia and North Korea do.
Umerov raised the presence of 12,000 North Korean troops within the Russian forces and the North Korean military's "active" support for energy infrastructure attacks on Ukraine, the statement said.
"For the Republic of Korea [South Korea], these actions pose a serious threat, as North Korean troops are gaining combat experience, which could create additional security challenges in the region in the future," he said.
Umerov's delegation also met Seoul's national security advisor and defence minister, according to the statement.