South Korea has denounced North Korea's deployment of troops to fight for Russia in the conflict with Ukraine, calling it a serious provocation that threatens the security of the world.



A Unification Ministry spokesperson made the remark at a news conference on Monday after Pyongyang confirmed for the first time that it had sent troops to Russia.



The spokesperson said that however hard North Korea tries to hide the truth, it cannot conceal the fact that the troop deployment is an illegal act that violates international norms. He added that it runs counter to human rights and is an unethical act that brutally sacrifices young North Korean people for the regime's safety.



The official demanded an immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops from Russia.



He said Seoul will resolutely deal with the issue in cooperation with the international community if the North's military collusion with Russia continues.