On June 19, Russia stated that the bilateral agreement with North Korea was aimed at the U.S., not South Korea, and expressed hopes that South Korea would calmly accept this.
In an interview with Russian state-owned RIA Novosti on June 25, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said, “The agreement with North Korea is a kind of warning to countries that are trying to solve problems on the Korean Peninsula and the entire Northeast Asia region by military means.” Rudenko reiterated, “This agreement is not aimed at South Korea or any third country,” adding, “There is no intention to undermine the already serious security situation in Northeast Asia.”
He criticized the U.S. for continuously strengthening its military presence in the region, using tensions on the Korean Peninsula to escalate regional tensions. His comments suggest that South Korea, an ally of the U.S., is being used to do this.
Rudenko pointed out, “The main goal of (U.S.) policy is to blockade not only North Korea but also China and Russia,” emphasizing “Within this framework of double blockade, Americans are placing bases and missile systems on the territory of their allies using the current tension.” Concerning South Korea’s suggestion of the possibility of supporting lethal weapons to Ukraine, he said, “We hope that South Korea will understand and accept the new agreement (between Russia and North Korea) and choose a sound approach, including relations with Russia.”
Despite South Korea’s participation in Western sanctions against Russia, he said, “South Korea and Russia have managed to maintain a practical direction without going into a confrontation. We expect this approach to be shared in Seoul as well.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s General Secretary Kim Jong Un met in Pyongyang on June 19 and signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement. RIA Novosti highlighted that Russia provides military support to North Korea only in case of aggression.
On June 25, Rudenko stated that Kim’s visit to Russia would occur “when all necessary conditions are established and the groundwork for signing documents is prepared.” Putin had invited Kim to Russia during his visit to North Korea, expressing his hope for their next meeting to take place in Moscow.
Rudenko did not mention when the visit to Russia would occur or what documents would be signed. However, it is speculated that documents specifying the details of the bilateral agreement signed during the visit to North Korea will be present.
If Kim travels to Moscow again, it will be the fourth meeting between Putin and Kim.
Meanwhile, Rudenko also revealed that Russia plans to sign a new agreement on Comprehensive Cooperation with Iran, another anti-U.S. country. He said, “Since the drafting work is almost complete, we expect this agreement to be signed soon. All necessary phrases have been confirmed.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry had previously announced in January this year that a new agreement reflecting the developing relations between Russia and Iran would be signed at a summit between the two countries.
