SEOUL, Nov. 25 (UPI) — Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrey Rudenko, has issued a stern warning to South Korea regarding the potential supply of lethal aid to Ukraine, asserting that such actions would “completely annihilate relations” between the two nations.
“Seoul must understand that the possible use of South Korean weapons to inflict harm upon Russian citizens will fully sever ties between our countries,” Rudenko conveyed to the state news agency TASS on Sunday. “Undoubtedly, we will respond in every manner deemed necessary. It is improbable that this will bolster the security of the Republic of Korea itself.”
The Republic of Korea serves as the official designation for South Korea.
While Seoul has provided humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine, it has refrained from directly supplying armaments for Kyiv’s defense against the Russian invasion, which commenced in February 2022.
Earlier this month, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol indicated that Seoul would not dismiss the prospect of providing weaponry to Ukraine, especially in light of North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia.
“As the North Korean military gains experience in modern warfare, this could pose a significant threat to our security,” Yoon stated during a press conference on Nov. 7. “Consequently, we will adjust the level of support, transitioning from our previous humanitarian focus, contingent upon the North Korean military’s involvement. Weapons support for Ukraine cannot be excluded.”
Both Washington and Seoul estimate that approximately 11,000 North Korean troops have been dispatched to the Kursk region of southwest Russia, a territory that Ukrainian forces have occupied since a surprise incursion in August.
The U.S. State Department has confirmed that North Korean troops have commenced combat operations, with Ukrainian media reporting over the weekend that 500 North Korean soldiers were killed during an engagement involving British missiles.
According to RBC Ukraine, citing defense news publisher Global Defense Corp., it was reported on Saturday that the fatalities occurred “as a result of the Storm Shadow missile strike on the Kursk region.”
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) informed lawmakers last week that North Korean troops have been assigned to Russia’s airborne brigade and marine corps, where they are undergoing training in various tactical maneuvers, including the utilization of drones.
Moreover, the NIS indicated that North Korea has provided additional long-range artillery systems to Russia, encompassing 170mm self-propelled howitzers and 240mm multiple rocket launchers.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moscow and Pyongyang have strengthened their bilateral relations. The two nations formalized a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in June, which includes a mutual defense clause stipulating reciprocal military assistance in the event that either country faces an attack.
Officials in South Korea have also expressed concerns regarding the potential transfer of missile and nuclear technology from Moscow to Pyongyang. Earlier this month, Seoul’s military intelligence reported that North Korea’s new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile, which was test-fired on Oct. 31, may have been developed with Russian technical support.
Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky articulated that North Korea could potentially deploy up to 100,000 troops to assist Moscow in its conflict against Kyiv.
