South Korea to pursue sanctions against Russia, North Korea over military cooperation

South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol has announced that his government will push for new sanctions against both Russia and North Korea due to their growing military cooperation.

Speaking on the issue, Yoon emphasized that South Korea would "work closely with allies and partners to ensure the implementation of powerful and effective sanctions" aimed at curbing the military ties between the two nations, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Yoon described the collaboration between Russia and North Korea as a "direct challenge to the international peace regime," warning that it could lead to "much more powerful provocations" by Pyongyang. He expressed concern that the strengthening of military ties between the two countries would destabilize the region and further provoke tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The announcement comes in the wake of significant developments in North Korean-Russian relations. On November 12, North Korea officially ratified a “Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” with Russia. The agreement covers 23 articles and includes provisions for military assistance, as well as cooperation in areas such as trade, economy, investment, science, technology, and space exploration. The treaty also outlines joint projects in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

On November 18, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that war on the Korean Peninsula was "inevitable," further escalating concerns over the implications of the growing partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Earlier, Kim Jong Un had referred to Ukraine as a "strike force" used by the US and the West against Russia, framing the ongoing conflict as part of a broader geopolitical struggle. South Korea’s proposed sanctions are a direct response to these developments and are aimed at preventing further military escalation between Russia and North Korea.

By Vafa Guliyeva