Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations

Statement by H.E. Ambassador Joonkook Hwang

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea

Security Council Briefing on Ukraine

New York, 26 March 2025                                                                                                           as delivered

Thank you, Madam President,

I would like to extend my gratitude to ASG Joyce Msuya for her briefing. We also welcome Ukraine and other European representatives in today's meeting.

It has now been one month since the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2774, which reflected the international community's strong desire for a swift end to the war in Ukraine.

Yet the attacks and hostilities continue. As ASG Msuya just briefed, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine has not improved at all. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing enormous suffering and casualties of the Ukrainian civilian population.

While the Republic of Korea continues to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, we strongly urge an immediate end to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and high-rises in accordance with international humanitarian law.

This also directly undermines concurrent diplomatic efforts supported by this Council for an early resolution to the conflict.

Madam President,

We note with appreciation the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, including the recent round in Riyadh, to advance efforts toward an energy facilities ceasefire and safe and free navigation in the Black Sea.

The Republic of Korea is of the view that this is a highly significant step. We echo the Secretary-General's assessment that such progress can lead to “important confidence-building measures … toward de-escalation of the war.”

In addition, the exchange of 175 prisoners of war by each side last week is a welcome development.

However, we have witnessed continued attacks on innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure even during negotiations this week. We emphasize, once again, that international humanitarian law should be observed under any circumstances.

Madam President,

This senseless war must come to an end without further delay.

The Republic of Korea sincerely hopes that the ongoing diplomatic efforts will pave the way for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace – one that fully respects the principles and spirit of the UN Charter.

In addition to the war's conclusion and restoration of peace in Ukraine, we also take deep interest in the process and conditions of ending the war, as they will have far-reaching implications not only for the future of European security but also for the global security landscape.

Madam President,

This war has inflicted serious suffering not only on the Ukrainian people and Russian soldiers and their families, but also on those of North Korea. Indeed, interviews with captured North Korean soldiers in Kursk have revealed how these young men were deceived by their leadership; being told they were sent to Russia for training, not to fight in a war.

Reportedly, their families remain unaware that their sons have been sent abroad to engage in another country's deadly conflict until the authorities issue a certificate of death in battle. Pyongyang even compelled the bereaved families to sign non-disclosure agreements regarding the loss of lives.

As rightly stressed in the report of Special Rapporteur Elizabeth Salmon on the situation of human rights in the DPRK last month, the conditions in which North Korean soldiers perform military service can constitute serious human rights violations. 

Pyongyang must stop sacrificing its own people to sustain the regime in exchange for military, political and economic support from Moscow.

According to North Korea's state media, when Kim Jong-Un met Russia's top security officer Shoigu in Pyongyang last Friday, he emphasized his unwavering support for Russia's so-called “special military operations.” The two countries also reaffirmed their intention to fully implement the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed last year.

This implies that this illegal military cooperation will continue in violation of the Security Council Resolutions. This also undoubtedly flies in the face of international efforts for an end to the war in Ukraine.

We urge Russia and North Korea to immediately halt their illegal military cooperation.

In conclusion, Madam President,

The Republic of Korea will continue to cooperate with the international community for the restoration of peace and post-war construction in Ukraine.

I thank you, Madam President.  /END/