S. Korean president says sanctions on North Korea fail due to Russia, China

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has described sanctions against North Korea as ineffective due to the country’s cooperation with China and Russia, during a press conference marking one year in office.

The president said his country has imposed all possible sanctions; however, it is impossible to know for sure whether the doors to China are fully closed, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“To Russia — they are clearly open. Therefore, any pressure will fail. Sanctions are ineffective,” he added, calling the current measures “completely useless.”

At the same time, the president reiterated that he does not abandon the long-term goal of denuclearising North Korea.

He advocated a phased approach involving the freezing of Pyongyang’s nuclear programme and eventual abandonment of nuclear weapons.

Commenting on relations with Russia, Lee said he sees the need to maintain ties with Moscow.

In May, the leaders of Russia and China stated that they strongly oppose pressure on North Korea, including sanctions.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov