South Korea considers lifting sanctions on Russia pending US action

South Korea may lift sanctions against Russia if the United States decides to ease its own sanctions, a source from the foreign trade sector in Seoul stated.

The source revealed that officials within South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy have indicated that Seoul could follow Washington's lead in modifying its sanctions policy toward Russia, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"When asked about the possibility of lifting sanctions, officials in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated that South Korea would consider easing its sanctions if the US does so," the source said.

The South Korean government has maintained ongoing discussions with both China and Russia, as well as the United States, especially after the administration of US President Donald Trump. In February, South Korea's Foreign Ministry confirmed that these dialogues were continuing as part of a broader diplomatic strategy.

On March 14, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the situation, stating that European countries were seeking to tighten sanctions on Russia, but Washington had chosen not to impose additional restrictions. Rubio emphasized that the United States had deliberately refrained from further sanctions despite having the technical ability to do so, instead focusing on encouraging diplomatic negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to resolve the conflict peacefully.

Additionally, reports suggest that South Korea had already taken steps to ease certain sanctions, notably lifting restrictions on the supply of medical equipment to Russia.

As global tensions surrounding Russia’s actions continue, the potential shift in South Korea’s stance on sanctions underscores the interconnected nature of international relations, particularly between major global powers like the United States and its allies.

By Vafa Guliyeva