Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned South Korea that it would be making a “big mistake” if it decides to supply arms to Ukraine. Putin made this statement on Thursday during his trip to Vietnam, highlighting potential repercussions for South Korea.
“If that happens, then we will make corresponding decisions that will not please the current leadership of South Korea,” Putin stated. This comment came after South Korea expressed concerns about a new strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea. This partnership includes a vow of mutual aid if either country is attacked.
The South Korean government is worried that these security commitments violate UN sanctions imposed on North Korea. The sanctions aim to curb Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program and include bans on weapon trade and military technology transfers. Due to these concerns, South Korea has hinted that it might reconsider its long-standing policy of not supplying weapons to Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Putin visited Pyongyang and signed a partnership agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This agreement has raised alarms in Seoul, prompting them to voice their objections.
At a press conference in Hanoi on Thursday, Putin addressed South Korea’s concerns, calling them unfounded. He explained that the pact with North Korea would only come into play if either Russia or North Korea was attacked by another country. “As far as I know, (South Korea) is not planning any aggression” against North Korea, Putin said, suggesting that there is no reason for South Korea to worry about their cooperation.
Putin also assured that he would not deploy North Korean soldiers in Ukraine. However, he did warn that if Western countries continue to supply arms to Ukraine, Russia might respond by providing high-precision weapons to North Korea.
This situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics and the potential for escalating tensions in the region. South Korea’s decision on whether to supply arms to Ukraine could significantly impact its relations with both Russia and North Korea, as well as its standing in the international community.
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