Putin's Warning to South Korea Over Potential Arms Supply to Ukraine

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to South Korea, cautioning against supplying arms to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. This warning follows Seoul's consideration of such a move in response to the newly forged pact between Russia and North Korea, which promises mutual assistance in the event of aggression against either nation.

 

Putin, addressing reporters from Vietnam shortly after his state visit to North Korea, described the potential arming of Ukraine by South Korea as a "big mistake." He emphasized that such an action would provoke decisions from Moscow that would be displeasing to the South Korean leadership. The warning comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, as Moscow and Pyongyang solidify their defense agreement, a development that Seoul has vehemently criticized.

 

The Russian leader's comments underscore his readiness to retaliate should South Korea proceed with arming Ukraine. "Those who supply these weapons believe that they are not at war with us. I said, including in Pyongyang, that we then reserve the right to supply weapons to other regions of the world," Putin stated. This suggests a possible escalation in the arms race, with Russia hinting at arming Pyongyang in response to Western and allied support for Ukraine.

 

South Korea's response to these developments has been measured but firm. Seoul's presidential office announced that it would consider "various options" regarding arms supplies to Ukraine, indicating that its stance would hinge on Russia's future actions. Additionally, South Korea summoned Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev to express its strong protest against the Moscow-Pyongyang pact, demanding an immediate cessation of military cooperation with North Korea.

 

While South Korea has provided humanitarian aid and military equipment to Ukraine, it has maintained a policy of not supplying lethal weapons to countries at war. This restraint is now being tested as the dynamics of international alliances shift. Ukraine, facing increased military collaboration between Russia and North Korea, has been hopeful that these developments might persuade Seoul to change its stance.

 

During Putin's visit to North Korea, Kim Jong Un pledged full support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, further solidifying the alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. There is growing evidence that North Korean missiles are already being used by Russian forces in Ukraine, exacerbating the conflict and international concerns.

 

John Kirby, spokesman for the U.S. National Security Council, commented on the Russia-North Korea agreement, stating it should "be of concern to any country that cares about maintaining peace and stability" in the region. He highlighted that the burgeoning defense relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang had been anticipated for months. Similarly, Japan's government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed "serious concern" over potential military technology cooperation between Russia and North Korea, labeling the agreement as "unacceptable."

 

Analysts warn that the Russia-North Korea treaty could have far-reaching implications beyond the immediate region. Not only does it signal the possibility of North Korea openly arming Russia, but it also raises the specter of Russian intervention in any new conflict on the Korean peninsula. The two Koreas remain technically at war, maintaining a heavily fortified border where tensions have recently escalated.

 

In a separate but related incident, North Korean troops briefly crossed the border into South Korea before retreating after warning shots were fired by South Korean forces. This marks the third such incursion in less than three weeks, with the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff suggesting that the previous incidents were likely unintentional.

 

Credit: BBC 2024-06-22

 

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[Tug]

South Korea could supply Uber hi tech assistance to Ukraine by far a more useful ally to Ukrainian than N Korea is to Putin no wonder he’s threatening (bleating).

[cncltd1973]

as Putin has been accepting North Korean arms... what's the difference?

[Jingthing]

Genicudal fascist dictator Putin mouthing off empty threats again.

 

 

 

[stevenl]

Russia threatening to arm north Korea? North Korea is supplying Russia with weapons to resupply their losses which they can't replace themselves.

 

An empty threat.

[Captor]

1 hour ago, cncltd1973 said:

as Putin has been accepting North Korean arms... what's the difference?

And weapons from Iran...

[Gweiloman]

The US and NATO has been warning other countries, notably China, not about sending weapons to Russia but components and equipment such as shovels that has dual use. By the same token, I don’t see why Russia can’t send a warning to SK. Not hypocrisy, surely?

 

In any case, as our esteemed experts above has confirmed, these are merely empty threats so there’s nothing to worry about.