The Russian Embassy in South Korea has drawn significant attention and concern by hanging a large banner reading 'Victory is Ours' on its building in Seoul, as the four-year mark of the Ukraine invasion approaches. Despite the South Korean government expressing discontent and formally requesting the banner's removal, the embassy has refused to comply. The incident has raised eyebrows, especially following comments from the Russian Ambassador, Georgiy Zinoviev, who praised North Korean troops for their contributions to the conflict in Ukraine, provoking accusations of diplomatic insult towards the host country.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry has confirmed its efforts to communicate with the embassy regarding the matter, stressing that Russia's actions are illegal under international law and pose significant threats not just to South Korea's security, but also to regional stability due to growing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia. Officials have expressed concern that the banner could unnecessarily escalate tensions among the South Korean public and other countries with diplomatic presence in the region. The government's stance unequivocally contends that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is an unlawful act, urging for an end to military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Despite these diplomatic challenges, the Russian Embassy has maintained the banner, citing protections under international conventions that grant inviolability to diplomatic missions. This situation exemplifies the intricacies of international relations wherein symbols of support for military actions by one nation can provoke strong reactions and assert diplomatic boundaries, highlighting ongoing strains in South Korea-Russia relations amidst the backdrop of global security issues concerning the Ukraine conflict and North Korea's military ambitions.