N. Korea downgrades diplomatic mission to London in protest of British sanctions over children's camp

North Korea has reduced the status of its diplomatic mission in London following Britain's decision to impose sanctions on a North Korean camp accused of participating in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. The North Korean foreign ministry made the announcement on its website, describing the British move as a "diplomatic response" to what it deemed a "politically provocative" act.

The ambassador in London, Mun Myong-sin, has been recalled and will be reassigned, with a charge d'affaires serving as an acting chief of mission in their place. In early May, the British government added a list of Russian individuals and entities to its sanctions, alongside the North Korean Songdowon International Children's Camp.

London authorities suspect the camp's involvement in Russian-led forced deportations and the indoctrination of Ukrainian youths. In response, North Korea denounced the British move as an attempt to damage its image and strain its relationship with Russia, accusing London of unreasonably linking the camp to the "groundless issue" of forced deportations.