South Korea takes "harsh" action after Russia-North Korea strategic partnership agreement, President Putin warns strongly

On June 21, South Korea summoned Russian Ambassador to Seoul Georgy Zinoviev to express its stance on the Russia-North Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty at the summit between the leaders of the two countries on June 19 in Pyongyang.

South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun (right) and Russian Ambassador to Seoul Georgy Zinoviev at the ministry's headquarters in Seoul on June 21. (Source: Yonhap)

Article 4 of the newly signed treaty guarantees automatic military intervention in the event of an attack on either country, a provision aimed at restoring the Cold War-era alliance 28 years after the mutual defense pact between the two countries was abolished in 1996.

Specifically, if either party is invaded or falls into a state of war, the other party will immediately provide military and other assistance "by all means" at its disposal and "without delay."

The South Korean presidential office has protested the pact, calling it a threat to national security. Summoning Ambassador Zinoviev, South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun called on Russia to “immediately stop” military cooperation with North Korea and “act responsibly.”

In response, Ambassador Zinoviev said that any attempts to "threaten and blackmail" Russia were unacceptable, noting that Moscow's cooperation with Pyongyang was not aimed against third countries.

According to the Russian diplomat, this cooperation contributes to strengthening peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and Moscow is adhering to the principles and norms of international law.

Besides, Russia remains committed to efforts to build a framework for “lasting peace and stability in the region based on the principle of indivisible security”.

A day earlier, South Korean National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin said the country would determine the level of arms supplies to Ukraine based on Russia's stance on relations with North Korea.

"There are various options for providing weapons to Ukraine and our view on recent developments between Russia and North Korea depends on how Moscow approaches the situation in the future," Chang told Yonhap .

South Korea is currently providing Ukraine with only non-lethal supplies and equipment for its war with Russia under a policy banning the supply of lethal weapons to countries in conflict.

According to government sources, among the potential weapons being considered are 155 mm artillery shells as well as air defense systems needed in Ukraine.

In response, Russian President Putin warned that South Korea would make a "big mistake" if it decided to supply lethal weapons to Ukraine. He clarified: "If that happens, we will also make corresponding decisions, which the current leadership of South Korea is unlikely to be satisfied with."

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/han-quoc-hanh-dong-gat-sau-thoa-thuan-doi-tac-chien-luoc-nga-trieu-tien-tong-thong-putin-canh-bao-cung-275819.html