Vladimir Putin cautioned South Korea against arming Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, warning that such a move would constitute “a big mistake.” His statement followed Seoul’s contemplation of supplying weapons to Kyiv in response to Russia and North Korea’s mutual defense pact against aggression.
Speaking in Vietnam after a visit to Pyongyang, where he signed the defense agreement with Kim Jong Un, Putin indicated that Moscow would react unfavorably to South Korea providing arms to Ukraine. He also suggested that Russia could reciprocate by supplying weapons to other regions if the US and its allies continued arming Ukraine.
South Korea, which has condemned the Russia-North Korea agreement as a threat to its security, stated it would reconsider its stance on providing arms to Ukraine in light of Putin’s remarks. The presidential office mentioned it would evaluate various options based on Russia’s approach to the issue.
In response to the pact, South Korea summoned the Russian ambassador to protest, urging Moscow to immediately cease military cooperation with Pyongyang. Despite providing humanitarian aid and non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine, South Korea has refrained from supplying lethal weapons due to its policy against arming nations in conflict.
The growing military collaboration between Russia and North Korea, underscored by Putin’s visit and Kim’s pledge of support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, has raised concerns internationally. The US National Security Council and Japan expressed serious concerns over the implications of the Russia-North Korea agreement, emphasizing its potential impact on regional peace and stability.
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