Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to South Korea against supplying arms to Ukraine, suggesting that such a move would be a “big mistake.” This comes after Seoul indicated it was contemplating this possibility in light of the recent defence pact between Russia and North Korea. The agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang, signed during Putin’s recent visit to North Korea, pledges mutual support in the event of aggression against either country.

Putin’s Response and Threats

Speaking to reporters in Vietnam, Putin emphasized that any South Korean decision to arm Ukraine would lead to consequences that Seoul’s leadership would find unfavourable. He also hinted at potential Russian military support for North Korea if the West continues its arms support to Ukraine, stating, “We then reserve the right to supply weapons to other regions of the world.”

 South Korea’s Reaction

In response to Putin’s remarks, South Korea’s presidential office stated that it would consider “various options” regarding arms support to Ukraine, depending on Russia’s approach to the issue. Seoul also summoned the Russian ambassador to protest the military cooperation with North Korea and demanded an immediate cessation of such activities.

While South Korea has provided humanitarian aid and non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine, it has refrained from supplying lethal weapons due to its policy against arming countries in active conflict. The deepening military ties between Russia and North Korea, coupled with Kim Jong Un’s full support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have led some to hope that South Korea might reconsider its stance.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed concern over the Russia-North Korea agreement, highlighting its potential threat to regional peace and stability. Similarly, Japan’s government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi labelled the agreement as “unacceptable” and voiced serious concerns over possible military technology cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

The defence pact between Moscow and Pyongyang could have significant implications, not only for Ukraine but also for the Korean Peninsula. Analysts warn that it might lead to North Korea openly supplying arms to Russia and potentially see Russia’s involvement in any new conflict on the Korean Peninsula. The two Koreas remain technically at war, and tensions have recently heightened, with multiple border incidents reported.

On Thursday, North Korean troops briefly crossed the border into South Korea, retreating after warning shots were fired. This incident marked the third such occurrence in less than three weeks, with previous cases on June 9 and 18 being deemed unintentional by South Korean authorities.

The escalating rhetoric and actions surrounding the Russia-North Korea defence pact and South Korea’s potential arms support to Ukraine indicate a complex and volatile geopolitical landscape. The situation calls for careful diplomatic navigation to prevent further destabilization in both Eastern Europe and the Korean Peninsula.