South Korea Urges Russia to Remove “Victory” Banner Ahead of Ukraine War Anniversary

Post by : Saif

South Korea has formally asked the Russian Embassy in Seoul to remove a large banner displayed on its outer wall that reads, “Victory will be ours.” The request comes just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The banner, which is about 15 meters long, is written in Russian and designed in the colors of the Russian flag. It was placed on the embassy building in central Seoul ahead of Tuesday’s anniversary marking four years since the war in Ukraine began.

South Korea’s foreign ministry said it conveyed its concerns directly to the embassy. However, it did not confirm whether the Russian side had responded. As of Monday, the banner was still hanging outside the building.

In its official statement, the ministry repeated South Korea’s position that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is illegal. Seoul has consistently supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity since the war began in February 2022.

The timing of the banner has drawn attention because it appears just before the anniversary of a conflict that has caused widespread destruction and loss of life. Millions of people have been displaced, and thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed since the war started.

Diplomatic buildings like embassies are considered the territory of the country they represent. This means the host country, in this case South Korea, cannot directly remove signs or banners from the property. However, governments can express concern or request action through diplomatic channels, which is what Seoul has done.

South Korea also used the moment to raise another concern. The foreign ministry criticized growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. It described such cooperation as a serious threat to South Korea’s national security and a violation of the United Nations Charter and U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Earlier this month, Russia’s ambassador to South Korea, Georgy Zinoviev, reportedly praised North Korean troops for their role in fighting in Russia’s Kursk region. Media reports have said that under a defense agreement signed in 2024, North Korea sent around 14,000 soldiers to support Russian forces. According to South Korean, Ukrainian, and Western sources, more than 6,000 of those troops have been killed.

If confirmed, this military cooperation would mark a significant step in ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. It also increases tensions in East Asia, where South Korea already faces security challenges related to North Korea’s weapons programs.

South Korea views any deepening of military ties between Russia and North Korea as alarming. The country relies heavily on international law and alliances to maintain stability in the region. It believes that cooperation that supports armed conflict undermines global peace efforts.

The Russian Embassy in Seoul did not immediately respond to requests for comment. An automated message said the embassy was closed due to a public holiday.

The situation highlights how global conflicts can affect relations far from the battlefield. While the war in Ukraine is taking place thousands of miles away, its political impact is being felt in countries across Asia and beyond.

For South Korea, the banner is not just a sign on a wall. It is a political message displayed in a public space at a sensitive time. By asking for its removal, Seoul is signaling its disapproval of Russia’s actions and reaffirming its stance on international law.

At the same time, the request shows how diplomacy often works quietly through official communication rather than public confrontation. South Korea has chosen to address the issue formally and respectfully, without escalating tensions.

As the anniversary of the Ukraine war approaches, governments around the world are reflecting on the conflict’s long-term impact. The war has reshaped alliances, changed energy markets, and increased global security concerns.

The coming days may show whether Russia responds to South Korea’s request. Regardless of the outcome, the incident serves as a reminder that symbols and messages can carry strong political meaning, especially during times of international conflict.

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