S.Korea voices concerns over N.Korea-Russia military cooperation

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul has raised concerns over the increasing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia, stating that it could enhance Pyongyang’s ability to threaten security on the Korean Peninsula and beyond. Cho made these statements during a UN Security Council briefing on the Ukraine issue in New York.

During the briefing, Cho expressed worry that North Korea could potentially receive advanced military technology or exceed oil shipment limits set by Security Council resolutions, which could bolster their ability to pose a security threat. The White House has disclosed that North Korea supplied Russia with military equipment, munitions, and ballistic missiles, some of which were used against Ukrainian targets in recent attacks.

In exchange for providing arms, North Korea has reportedly sought military assistance from Russia, such as fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment, and other advanced technologies. Cho emphasized the dangers of this emerging military cooperation, noting that North Korean munitions and missiles have been observed in Ukraine, worsening human suffering and prolonging the conflict.

Acknowledging the limitations of the UNSC, Cho stressed the importance of developing effective strategies to address the complexities and fulfill the council’s duty of maintaining international peace and security. He reiterated South Korea’s commitment to contributing actively to this goal, highlighting the country’s own history of experiencing war in the 1950s and emphasizing the need to prevent aggression from going unanswered.

Cho’s remarks underscore the grave implications of the military ties between North Korea and Russia, raising concerns about the potential impact on regional and global security. As tensions persist, the international community faces challenges in addressing these evolving dynamics and safeguarding peace in the region.