Days after Russia and North Korea inked a defense pact, South Korea has said that it would consider supplying arms to Ukraine. This agreement, inked during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2-day visit to North Korea, promises mutual military support in case of an invasion, as reported by North Korean media. It is pertinent to note that Russia has been engaged in a full-blown war with Ukraine since February 24, 2022.
The latest deal denotes a deepening alliance covering security, trade, and cultural relations. It is viewed as a response to Russia’s isolation over its actions in Ukraine and its strained relations with Western countries. The pact has raised tensions in East Asia and sparked concerns about regional stability and South Korea’s diplomatic stance.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has criticized the pact, stating it to be a threat to stability in the region and a violation of UN rules. Seoul, capital city of South Korea, has a policy of not giving weapons to countries in conflict like Ukraine, but might change this due to Russia’s actions and changing geopolitics.
The summit and pact worry South Korean leaders and experts about how security might change in the region. North Korea supporting Russia could lead to economic and technology deals which is a matter of concern, especially since North Korea has nuclear weapons.
The agreement has sparked discussions among experts, some see it as more symbolic than actually strengthening Cold War-era alliances, while others think it could increase military and strategic ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.
For South Korea, the agreement poses bigger challenges in its relations with Russia, which are already tense due to Ukraine-related sanctions. Seoul must navigate these tensions carefully, with options including breaking ties or expelling diplomats to show concerns about Russia’s alliance with North Korea.
Kim Jong Un’s shift in foreign policy towards Russia amid heightened US-South Korea military drills shows the tense atmosphere on the peninsula. This includes unusual actions by North Korea, like dropping trash-filled balloons and using loudspeakers for psychological warfare against South Korea, similar to Cold War tactics.
South Korea’s reaction to the Russia-North Korea defense pact marks a crucial moment in regional diplomacy and security. As tensions rise and alliances change, Seoul’s strategic adjustments, potentially including supplying arms to Ukraine, highlight its role in a complex East Asian geopolitical scene shaped by historical rivalries and current global pressures.
