The government has denounced North Korea after it officially confirmed it sent troops to fight for Russia against Ukraine. 

Defense ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyu said in a briefing on Monday that the North has admitted to a crime.

Jeon said the troop deployment is a clear violation of the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions. 

Jeon also rebutted the North’s claim that it deployed the troops in accordance with international law under a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty that the North and Russia signed last year. 

The spokesperson described such claims as a deceptive attempt to cover up illegal activity. 

Meanwhile, unification ministry spokesperson Koo Byung-sam said the North’s claim that its actions comply with international law demonstrates that the reclusive state continues to mock the international community.