London: North Korea has downgraded its diplomatic mission in London in protest against Britain's decision to sanction a North Korean camp over its suspected involvement in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.

According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea's foreign ministry announced the decision on its website, describing it as a "diplomatic response" to what it termed a "politically provocative" move. Ambassador Mun Myong-sin has been recalled and will be reassigned, with the charge d'affaires now serving as the acting chief of mission in London.

In early May, the British government implemented sanctions against a range of Russian individuals and entities, including North Korea's Songdowon International Children's Camp. London suspects the camp is linked to Russian-led forced deportations and the indoctrination of Ukrainian youths.

Following the announcement, Pyongyang criticized the move, arguing it was an attempt to damage its image and undermine its relationship with Russia. North Korea accused London of "unreasonably linking our children's camping facility with the groundless issue of 'forcible migration' of Ukrainian children."

Established in 1960, the camp has been used to disseminate propaganda and promote loyalty to the regime among young people. A Ukrainian online newspaper reported in December that at least two Ukrainian children were believed to have been abducted by Russian troops in Ukraine and forcibly transferred to the camp.

In July, children from China and Russia joined the camp, located in the eastern coastal city of Wonsan, indicating deepening ties among the three countries.