South Korea has formally requested the Russian embassy in Seoul remove a large 'Victory will be ours' banner hanging on its outer wall, just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The 15-metre banner, displayed in Russian and Russian flag colors, was reportedly taken down on Monday after the ministry conveyed its concerns. The ministry reiterated its condemnation of Russia's 'illegal' invasion and stressed that military cooperation between Russia and North Korea poses a 'grave threat' to South Korea's security, violating UN resolutions.

This action follows reports of Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev praising North Korean troops' involvement in Russia's Kursk region. Under a 2024 mutual defence pact, North Korea is estimated to have sent around 14,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces against Ukraine, with over 6,000 reportedly killed. The Russian embassy in Seoul did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The banner's removal underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the Ukraine war's anniversary and South Korea's firm stance against both Russia's actions and its military alliance with North Korea.