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

North Korea has reduced its diplomatic presence in London in response to British sanctions imposed on a North Korean children's camp, suspected of involvement in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. The North Korean Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Friday, describing the British action as a "diplomatic response" to what it called a "politically provocative" move.

The ambassador to London, Mun Myong-sin, has been recalled and will be reassigned, with a charge d'affaires assuming the role of acting chief of mission in London.

In early May, the UK government added a list of Russian individuals and entities to its sanctions package, alongside North Korea's Songdowon International Children's Camp. London authorities suspect the camp is connected to Russian-led forced deportations and the indoctrination of Ukrainian youths. Pyongyang has denounced the British decision, accusing London of attempting to damage its image and compromise its relationship with Russia.

They allege that the UK is "unreasonably linking our children's camping facility with the groundless issue of forcible deportation."