South Korea will make a ‘big mistake’ by arming Ukraine, Putin warns

Responding to Moscow’s acceptance of Pyongyang, Chang Ho-jin, South Korea’s national security adviser, told reporters Thursday that Seoul will review the possibility of supplying weapons to Ukraine. Currently, it has only provided non-lethal aid, such as demining equipment.

South Korea’s presidential office said: “Any cooperation that directly or indirectly helps North Korea increase its military power is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and is subject to monitoring and sanctions by the international community”.

Russia’s deal with North Korea “should be a concern for any country that cares about maintaining peace and stability,” said John Kirby, spokesman for the US national security council.

Moscow’s agreement with Pyongyang revives an earlier Cold War-era defense pact. According to North Korean state media, if either country suffers an “armed invasion,” the other “will provide military and other assistance with all means at its disposal without delay.”

North Korea’s leaders also signaled they could take action after a balloon launch by anti-Pyongyang activists on Thursday night, which floated thousands of propaganda leaflets, US dollar bills and USB flash drives containing songs. of K-pop and South Korean television series across the border. South.