South Korea Asks Russia to Take Down “Victory” Banner Before Ukraine War Anniversary

Post by : Saif Nasser

South Korea has officially requested that the Russian Embassy in Seoul remove a large banner displayed on its building that reads, “Victory will be ours.” The request comes just before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The banner, which measures about 15 meters in length, is written in Russian and designed in the colors of the Russian flag. It was placed on the outer wall of the embassy in central Seoul ahead of Tuesday’s anniversary marking four years since the war began.

South Korea’s foreign ministry said it communicated its concerns directly to the Russian Embassy. However, officials did not say whether the embassy had responded. As of Monday, the banner was still visible on the building.

In its statement, the ministry repeated South Korea’s position that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is illegal. Since the war began in February 2022, Seoul has supported Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.

The display of the banner has drawn attention because of its timing. The anniversary of the war is a sensitive moment for many countries, especially those that have condemned the invasion. The conflict has caused heavy destruction, displaced millions of people, and led to thousands of deaths.

Embassies are protected under international diplomatic rules. They are treated as the territory of the country they represent. This means South Korea cannot directly remove the banner. Instead, it must raise the issue through diplomatic communication, which it has done.

Along with the banner issue, South Korea also expressed concern about growing military ties between Russia and North Korea. The foreign ministry described this cooperation as a serious threat to South Korea’s security. It said such actions violate the United Nations Charter and U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Earlier this month, Russian Ambassador to South Korea Georgy Zinoviev reportedly praised North Korean troops for assisting Russian forces in the Kursk region. Reports from South Korean, Ukrainian, and Western sources say that around 14,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to support Russia under a defense agreement signed in 2024. According to those reports, more than 6,000 of them have been killed.

If confirmed, this military cooperation marks a major shift in relations between Moscow and Pyongyang. For South Korea, it raises serious security concerns, as it already faces tensions with North Korea over missile and nuclear programs.

The Russian Embassy in Seoul could not be reached for comment. An automated phone message said the embassy was closed due to a public holiday.

The situation shows how the Ukraine war continues to affect countries far from Europe. Political messages, such as banners and public statements, can carry strong meaning during times of conflict.

For South Korea, the banner represents more than a slogan. It is seen as a symbol connected to a war that Seoul believes violates international law. By asking for its removal, South Korea is restating its position without taking aggressive action.

As the anniversary approaches, many governments are reflecting on the long impact of the war. The conflict has changed global alliances, affected energy supplies, and increased security tensions worldwide.

Whether Russia responds to South Korea’s request remains uncertain. However, the episode highlights how diplomacy works through official channels, even when disagreements are strong.

The coming days may show whether the banner remains in place or is taken down. Either way, the issue has once again drawn attention to the continuing global impact of the war in Ukraine.