Diplomatic rift overshadows Russian vice FM’s visit to Seoul
Moscow shows ambivalence in relations with Seoul
A diplomatic rift between South Korea and Russia over North Korean issues has intensified over the weekend, overshadowing a rare visit by Russian Vice Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko to Seoul which was apparently intended to prevent bilateral relations from worsening further.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent remarks about North Korea, Friday, calling them “blatantly biased” and “odious.” She was referring to the president’s remarks made during an annual central integrated defense council meeting, Jan. 31, when Yoon labeled North Korea as “the only country to specify preemptive nuclear use in its Constitution.”
In response, South Korea’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Byungwon summoned Russian Ambassaor to Seoul Georgy Zinoviev, Saturday, and lodged a protest over Zakharova’s “rude, ignorant and biased” comments.
The exchange of harsh words occurred as Russian Vice Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko was visiting South Korea to meet Chung, as well as First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-gyun and Seoul’s top nuclear envoy Kim Gunn.
“The spokeswoman’s comment, perceived as an overreaction and diplomatically crossing the line, was a message of gratitude to North Korea for openly supporting Russia in its war with Ukraine,” said an expert on Russia who requested anonymity.
He also added that Zakharova is known for her combative style of speech and anti-Western sentiments. She has been a vocal critic of the United States and its Western allies since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine.
“It appears that South Korea has become one of her targets,” the expert said.
Wi Sung-lac, a former South Korean ambassador to Russia, pointed out Moscow’s contradictory steps.
“There must be underlying factors behind Russia’s rhetoric and diplomatic moves because, based on the available information, its actions appear contradictory,” Wi told The Korea Times.
It is unusual for Moscow to make a fuss about the South Korean leader’s comments, which did not directly concern Russia.
Previously, Moscow has reacted furiously to South Korea’s potential provision of weapons to Ukraine or when Seoul raised speculation about military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
“There may have been some unknown factors below the surface that caused Russia’s foreign ministry to react that way,” the former envoy said. “Zakahrova’s remarks have overshadowed Rudenko’s visit to Seoul, which was apparently intended to break the ice with South Korea.”
He added, “Recent developments show that bilateral relations between South Korea and Russia are nosediving, regardless of which side is responsible.”
Rudenko’s trip to Seoul, which was disclosed to the public only after he returned home, marked the first known visit by a senior Russian official under the Yoon administration. His visit was initially scheduled for September last year, but was canceled at the last minute.
During the meeting with Rudenko, South Korean officials expressed a stern stance on Russia’s military cooperation with North Korea, according to the South Korean foreign
The spokeswoman’s comment, perceived as an overreaction and diplomatically crossing the line, was a message of gratitude to North Korea for openly supporting Russia in its war
with Ukraine.
ministry. In response, the Russian diplomat emphasized a strong commitment to developing mutually beneficial ties with Pyongyang while adhering to international laws.