Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning to South Korea against arming Ukraine, stating that it would be a “big mistake.” Putin also threatened to arm North Korea if the US and its allies continued to supply weapons to Ukraine. This warning came after South Korea condemned the Russia-North Korea agreement and expressed plans to reconsider supporting arms in Ukraine.
In response to Putin’s remarks, South Korea’s presidential office announced that it would consider various options regarding supplying weapons to Ukraine based on how Russia handles the issue. The office also summoned the Russian ambassador to protest the agreement and demand the immediate cessation of military cooperation with Pyongyang. Despite providing humanitarian aid and military equipment to Ukraine, South Korea has an official policy of not arming countries at war.
The US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby condemned the Russia-North Korea agreement, expressing concerns about peace and stability in the region. Japan also voiced serious concerns about President Putin not ruling out military technological cooperation with North Korea, calling the agreement unthinkable. Analysts predict significant implications for the world and region, with the possibility of North Korea arming Russia and Moscow becoming a major player in any potential conflict on the Korean Peninsula.
