Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to South Korea, stating that it would be a “big mistake” to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. This declaration follows Seoul’s contemplation of such a move, prompted by the recent pact between Russia and North Korea to support each other in the event of aggression.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Mr. Putin emphasized that Moscow would respond decisively if Seoul proceeded with arming Kyiv. “We will make decisions which are unlikely to please the current leadership of South Korea,” he cautioned. His remarks were made during a visit to Vietnam, shortly after a high-profile trip to Pyongyang where he signed a mutual defense agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
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The Russian president further intimated that Moscow might consider arming Pyongyang if the US and its allies continue to supply Ukraine with weapons. “Those who supply these weapons believe that they are not at war with us,” Mr. Putin noted. “I said, including in Pyongyang, that we then reserve the right to supply weapons to other regions of the world.”
South Korea has expressed significant concern over the Russia-North Korea agreement, viewing it as a direct threat to its national security. National security adviser Chang Ho-jin stated that South Korea might “reconsider the issue of arms support to Ukraine” in light of recent developments.
In response to Mr. Putin’s comments, South Korea’s presidential office announced on Friday that it would explore “various options” regarding the potential supply of arms to Ukraine, with its final decision contingent on Russia’s actions. Additionally, Seoul has summoned Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev to formally protest the agreement, demanding an immediate cessation of military cooperation with Pyongyang.
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Despite providing humanitarian aid and military equipment to Ukraine, South Korea has so far adhered to a policy of not supplying lethal weapons to nations at war. However, some Ukrainian officials hope that the growing military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang will prompt Seoul to reconsider its stance.
During his visit to Pyongyang, Mr. Kim pledged “full support” for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. There is increasing evidence that North Korean missiles are already being deployed by Russia in Ukraine.
US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed concern over the Russia-North Korea agreement, describing it as troubling for any country invested in maintaining regional peace and stability. He noted that the US had long been warning about the deepening defense relationship between the two nations.
Japan has also voiced its apprehensions. Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi labeled the agreement “unacceptable” and emphasized Tokyo’s serious concern over potential military technology cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
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Analysts suggest that this treaty could have far-reaching implications, not only for the immediate region but globally. There is speculation that North Korea could openly arm Russia, and that Russia might intervene in any new conflict on the Korean peninsula.
The two Koreas remain technically at war, with a heavily fortified border where tensions have been escalating. On Thursday, North Korean troops briefly crossed the border, retreating only after South Korean forces fired warning shots. This incident marks the third such border breach in less than three weeks, with previous incursions on June 9 and 18 being deemed unintentional by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
