German Chancellor warns North Korea's troop deployments endanger European security
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said North Korea's sending of soldiers to fight for Russia threatens Europe's freedom, while deepening strategic ties with South Korea during his Seoul visit.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters in Seoul that North Korea is endangering "freedom throughout Europe" by dispatching troops to support Russia in the war in Ukraine. He linked the development to broader security interdependence, stating that "Korea's security affects Europe's security, and Europe's security also affects Korea's security."
Merz noted that Russia has supplied weapons to North Korea, and South Korean intelligence estimates that about 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to fight alongside Russian forces. In return, Moscow provides financial backing, military technology and security guarantees to Pyongyang.
The chancellor also used the meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to pledge an "enhanced strategic partnership," including joint military exercises and intelligence sharing, and said he hopes for eventual Korean reunification.
North Korea recently launched roughly ten short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan, according to the South Korean military. Merz is scheduled to visit the Demilitarized Zone before concluding his Asian tour.