Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to South Korea over the prospect of providing weapons to Ukraine, stating that such a move would be a ‘big mistake’ and would prompt Russia to take countermeasures. During a press conference in Hanoi, following his visit to Vietnam and North Korea, Putin underscored the strength of Russia’s strategic partnership with North Korea, a relationship established with a 1962 agreement and recently reaffirmed through a mutual defense pact. Putin’s comments come amid escalating tensions with the West, particularly over the supply of military aid to Ukraine. Putin also indicated that Russia retains the right to deploy weapons to other regions, including North Korea, and did not rule out supplying high-precision weapons to the country. He criticized NATO’s expansion efforts in Asia and warned of the potential repercussions for regional stability. Moreover, Putin hinted at possible adjustments to Russia’s nuclear doctrine in light of the changing strategic landscape and the Western threshold for nuclear weapons use. These developments signal a possible strategic shift as Putin seeks to reinforce alliances and deter Western military involvement in Ukraine. The Russian president’s remarks highlight the ongoing complexities of the geopolitical environment and the potential for a broader military and nuclear response.
Key points
- Putin warns South Korea against arming Ukraine, threatening countermeasures.
- Russia and North Korea strengthen their military alliance, with Putin suggesting the possibility of supplying high-precision weapons to North Korea.
- Putin hints at changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine in response to Western military support for Ukraine.
