Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who is visiting South Korea, reportedly says he and President Yoon Suk Yeol discussed joint steps to strengthen security and stability.

According to Reuters, Umerov wrote in a statement on Telegram on Thursday that his country believes its arguments about the need to increase cooperation with South Korea will lead to a tangible strengthening of security for both peoples and regions. 

Mentioning the presence of 12-thousand North Korean troops within the Russian forces, the defense minister said the North Korean military is offering “active support” for energy infrastructure attacks on Ukraine. 

The statement continued that these actions pose a serious threat to South Korea, as North Korean troops are gaining combat experience. 

On Wednesday, a Ukrainian delegation led by Umerov met with Yoon as well as national security adviser Shin Won-sik and Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to discuss bilateral cooperation.

In the meetings, the delegation is believed to have asked for Seoul’s assistance in the form of weapons for Ukraine’s war against Russia.