South Korea has strongly criticized the recent agreement between Russia and North Korea, which includes mutual defense pledges in the event of conflict, labeling it a violation of United Nations sanctions.
In response to the partnership sealed between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during their summit in Pyongyang, South Korea’s presidential office condemned the pact as a threat to its national security. A senior official from the presidential office, speaking anonymously due to office protocol, stated that Seoul will reassess its policy on supporting Ukraine with non-lethal aid.
South Korea, despite participating in U.S.-led economic sanctions against Russia, has refrained from supplying arms to Ukraine, citing its policy against providing weapons to nations actively involved in conflicts. However, the new alliance between Russia and North Korea, which commits both nations to providing immediate military support if war breaks out, has prompted Seoul to reconsider its stance.
The agreement, described by North Korean state media as enhancing bilateral relations across various domains including security and trade, has raised concerns internationally. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lim Soosuk, emphasized that the treaty’s provisions, including military and technology cooperation, contravene UN Security Council resolutions.
Lim expressed regret over Moscow and Pyongyang’s actions and pledged that South Korea would coordinate closely with its allies and the international community to respond decisively to any threats to its security posed by the new alliance.
