**South Korea Imposes Sanctions on Russia and North Korea**
South Korea has announced new sanctions against Russia and North Korea. These sanctions will take effect on December 19.
The sanctions target high-ranking North Korean military officers who are helping Russia in its war with Ukraine. They also include a senior missile engineer, an elite unit called “Storm Corps”, and their commander. All of these individuals were deployed to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
**Warning Issued Earlier This Year**
In the fall of 2024, Ukrainian and Western officials warned that over 10,000 North Korean troops had gathered in Kursk Oblast, ready to help Russia fight against Ukrainian forces. Russia launched a surprise incursion in August, which prompted these warnings.
**South Korea’s Action Against Russian Entities**
The sanctions list also includes seven Russian individuals and 13 organizations, such as several banks. Seoul accused them of helping arms trade between Russia and North Korea, supplying Russian military with North Korean telecommunications equipment, and supporting North Korea’s nuclear and missile program.
These entities will now need South Korea’s prior approval for any financial transactions.
**South Korea’s Support to Ukraine**
South Korea has committed economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine. Recently, they provided a $100 million loan to help keep Kyiv’s budget stable. However, Seoul has not supplied direct lethal aid to Ukraine, as it is prohibited by their legislation.
A Ukrainian delegation met with the now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea. He signaled that his country might provide military aid to Ukraine if Russia and North Korea continue to cooperate closely.
**Ukraine Reports North Korean Casualties**
In a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that North Koreans are participating in Russian assaults in the Kursk region. Ukraine’s military intelligence has claimed that at least 30 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded on this front.
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