In a provocative act, the Russian Embassy in Seoul has hung a substantial 15-meter-long banner that reads 'Victory is Ours' in Russian. Despite requests from the South Korean government to remove it, Russia has refused to comply, causing increased concern among diplomatic circles in the capital. This situation is particularly alarming given the historical context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the implications of such a display in a third country.

One source highlighted the severity of this incident, stating that declaring victory in a country that is not involved in the ongoing conflict represents a significant breach of diplomatic norms. The tensions are amplified not only by the banner but also by comments made by Russian Ambassador Georgi Zinovyev. He has openly praised the North Korean troops participating in military actions, further straining relations in an already delicate diplomatic environment.

The South Korean government is in a difficult position, as they are unable to forcibly remove the banner due to international agreements safeguarding the inviolability of diplomatic missions. This scenario underscores the challenges faced by South Korea in navigating its diplomatic relations with Russia, particularly as tensions remain high due to the conflict in Ukraine and North Korea's involvement.