S. Korea-Russia ties hit new low following minister’s remarks

South Korea’s already-strained relations with Russia have worsened further following Defense Minister Shin Won-sik’s remarks on offering “full support” to Ukraine. Moscow interpreted this as a potential indication of Seoul providing military aid to Kyiv and warned of a “complete breakdown” of bilateral ties.

Seoul’s foreign ministry reiterated Sunday that South Korea maintains its stance of not providing lethal weapons to Ukraine. It added that bilateral relations with Moscow will depend on Russia’s future involvement with North Korea.

“The government maintains a stance of not providing lethal weapons to Ukraine while closely monitoring recent developments in military cooperation between Russia and North Korea and assessing their potential impact on our national security,” the ministry said in a statement.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, South Korea has adhered to the policy of providing only financial and humanitarian aid to Kyiv, while remaining wary of its relations with Russia.

“Ballistic missile trade and military technology cooperation between Russia and North Korea constitute a clear violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. Such actions pose a serious threat not only to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula but also to global peace,” the ministry said.

This statement came as a response to the Russian foreign ministry’s comments the previous day.

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova had suggested that the South Korean military was considering sending weapons aid to Ukraine after rumors circulated of cooperation with Moscow and Pyongyang.

“We firmly reject any attempts by the United States and its satellite countries to make baseless accusations against our country … We would like to caution Seoul against imprudent steps that could lead to a complete breakdown of once-friendly relations with Russia,” she said.

Zakharova was referring to Shin’s remarks during a recent media interview, in which he alleged Russia has already assisted North Korea with satellite and space-related technology. The minister anticipated that the military cooperation may evolve into sharing of ballistic and cruise missile technologies.

Shin also said he “personally sees” a need to offer “full support” to Ukraine, although he agreed with the government’s current policy of sending only humanitarian and financial aid to the war-torn nation.