Russian official raises alarm about potential militarized conflict in Korean Peninsula

Last month, the leader of the North Korean regime warned of mobilizing all available resources and capabilities to annihilate South Korea if it's the first to attempt military action. However, this is not his only such bellicose warning that has raised international concerns. In December 2023, he also hinted at the potential of launching a nuclear attack on the United States.

"Should hostile forces dare to infringe on the dignity of our nation and people by even the slightest, the resolute will of the Korean People's Army will be to eradicate their strongholds without a trace with force beyond imagination," read the statement from the communist regime leader, published in the official government newspaper in Pyongyang, the "Rodong Sinmun".

Ivan Zelokhovtsev, director of the first Asian department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to these threats, suggested that Kim's statements be viewed in the context of joint U.S. and allied military exercises and other hostile actions, which are aimed at Russia and its allies in the region.

The official emphasized that, in his view, North Korea had no alternative but to make the necessary moves to defend its sovereignty by bolstering national defense and safeguarding security.

While discussing the tense relations between Seoul and Moscow, the official pointed out that although Seoul displays readiness to enhance relations, Moscow's stance will depend on Seoul's export control policies directed against Russia.