South Korea Urges Russian Embassy to Remove ‘Victory Will Be Ours’ Banner Ahead of Ukraine War Anniversary

South Korea has formally requested that the Russian embassy in Seoul remove a large banner reading “Victory will be ours,” just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The South Korean foreign ministry confirmed Sunday that it had conveyed its concerns to the embassy, though it did not specify whether Russian officials had responded.

The 15-meter (49-foot) banner, displayed in the colors of the Russian flag and written in Russian, was mounted on the outer wall of the Russian embassy in central Seoul. The message appeared ahead of Tuesday’s anniversary marking four years since the start of the Ukraine war. As of Monday, the banner remained in place.

In its official statement, South Korea reiterated its position that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is illegal under international law. Seoul has consistently aligned itself with global efforts condemning Moscow’s actions and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The foreign ministry also addressed growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, calling it a serious threat to South Korea’s national security. Officials described the partnership as a violation of the U.N. Charter and multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. Concerns have intensified following reports that North Korea sent approximately 14,000 troops to assist Russian forces under a 2024 mutual defense agreement. South Korean, Ukrainian, and Western sources claim that more than 6,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed while fighting in Russia’s Kursk region.

Earlier this month, Russian Ambassador to South Korea Georgy Zinoviev reportedly praised North Korean troops for their involvement in combat operations.

Attempts to reach the Russian embassy in Seoul for comment were unsuccessful. An automated phone message indicated the embassy was closed for a public holiday on Monday.

The incident highlights escalating diplomatic tensions in East Asia as the Ukraine conflict and Russia-North Korea military ties continue to draw international scrutiny.