South Korea considers arms for Ukraine, Putin issues warnings

During a press conference in Vietnam, Putin commented on reports that South Korea is considering supplying weapons to Ukraine after Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.

“South Korea has nothing to worry about since our military assistance, according to the treaty we signed, will only occur in the event of aggression against one of the signatories. As far as I know, South Korea does not plan aggression against the DPRK,” Putin stated.

“As for supplying lethal weapons to the war zone in Ukraine, this would be a very big mistake by the South Korean authorities. I hope it won't come to that. If it does, then we will also make appropriate decisions, and it is unlikely that they will please the current leaders of South Korea,” he added.

South Korea will reconsider the ban on supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine, said National Security Advisor Chang Ho-jin on Thursday. He added that Seoul condemns the agreement signed on Wednesday between Russia and North Korea for mutual "immediate" military assistance.

“The government expresses serious concern and condemns the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between North Korea and Russia, which aims to strengthen military and economic cooperation,” Chang said during a press briefing at the presidential office.

“We plan to reconsider the issue of military support for Ukraine,” he added, suggesting a change in the current policy that North Korea does not supply lethal weapons to Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years on Wednesday. The Russian leader met with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang and signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty.

“The signed agreement provides for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the parties to the agreement,” Putin said after talks with the North Korean leader.

Source: WP/PAP/TASS