South Korea has formally requested that the Russian embassy in Seoul remove a large banner reading “victory will be ours” from its outer wall, as the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches. The banner, measuring 15 metres and displaying the message in Russian against the colours of the Russian flag, was still visible on Monday despite the request.
The South Korean foreign ministry stated that the banner's removal is sought in line with its position that Russia's war against Ukraine is illegal. The ministry also condemned military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, calling it a clear violation of the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions, and a serious threat to South Korea's security.
Officials said they are monitoring the embassy's activities, including a possible pro-war rally scheduled for Tuesday, when the conflict enters its fifth year. The ministry also noted recent public remarks by Russian ambassador Georgy Zinoview praising North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine's Kursk region.
South Korea has consistently supported Ukraine's sovereignty, joined US-led sanctions against Russia, and provided humanitarian and financial aid to Kyiv, though it has avoided directly supplying arms due to its policy of not supplying weapons to active conflict zones. However, Seoul is reportedly considering joining NATO's Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List initiative to supply US arms to Ukraine.
