Putin and Kim Agreement; South Korea Summons Russian Ambassador

On Friday, June 21, South Korea summoned the Russian ambassador to protest against Russia's defense agreement with North Korea. Kim Hong-kan, the Deputy Foreign Minister of South Korea, urged Moscow to immediately halt its alleged military cooperation with Pyongyang. He emphasized that any collaboration that directly or indirectly strengthens North Korea's military violates UN Security Council resolutions and threatens South Korea's security. The Russian embassy stated on its account on the 'X' network that the ambassador told South Korean officials that any attempts to 'threaten or blackmail' Russia are 'unacceptable' and that the Russia-North Korea agreement does not target 'specific third countries.' At the same time, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Russia, noting the Security Council sanctions against North Korea, stating that all countries are prohibited from providing any materials or equipment that could assist North Korea's nuclear or ballistic missile programs. On Thursday, June 20, after the signing of the agreement between Russia and North Korea for mutual defense in the event of war, South Korea announced it is considering sending weapons to Ukraine. South Korea is among the countries that export weapons and has a well-equipped military supported by the United States. Seoul has currently provided humanitarian aid and other support to Ukraine and has participated in implementing U.S.-led economic sanctions against Moscow but has not directly supplied weapons to Ukraine. The reason for this decision is the longstanding policy of not providing weapons to countries actively involved in war. Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a visit to Vietnam, called the potential arms shipment from South Korea to Ukraine 'a very big mistake' and stated that if such an event occurs, Russia will make decisions that will not please the South Korean leader. These developments occur amid increased tensions between the two Koreas in recent months. Since May, Pyongyang has begun sending balloons carrying waste and manure across the border, claiming this action was 'in retaliation for anti-North leaflets distributed by South Korean activists as part of a propaganda campaign.' The northern neighbor's balloons followed a series of other provocative steps by Pyongyang, including the failed launch of a spy satellite and the firing of dozens of short-range ballistic missiles. Early on Friday, June 21, Kim Jong-un's sister threatened vague retaliation after South Korean activists flew balloons carrying anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. Two U.S. senators unveiled a plan to designate Russia as a 'state sponsor of terrorism.' Moscow is considering changing its nuclear doctrine; Putin also threatened Seoul. Russia and North Korea signed a bilateral defense agreement. The U.S. president stated that NATO is now stronger than ever in deterring Russia in Europe.