NewsPutin signs defence pact with North Korea amid Ukraine tensions

Putin signs defence pact with North Korea amid Ukraine tensions

Vladimir Putin threatens South Korea. "We will make an appropriate decision."
Vladimir Putin threatens South Korea. "We will make an appropriate decision."
Images source: © PAP | GAVRIIL GRIGOROV / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL
Anna Wajs-Wiejacka

21 June 2024 08:37

Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defence pact with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He also reacted to Seoul's announcements about considering providing weapons to Ukraine. "If this happens, we will also take appropriate measures," the dictator stated.

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un signed a mutual defence agreement. Putin emphasised that he "does not rule out" sending weapons to North Korea. He reassured that the UN's regime's southern neighbours have no reason to worry. At the same time, he warned South Korea against potential armed support for Ukraine, which could significantly alter the situation.

As for the supply of lethal weapons to the combat zone in Ukraine, this would be a very big mistake. I hope that this will not happen. If this happens, then we will also make appropriate decisions, which are unlikely to please the current leadership of South Korea — Putin stated.

South Korean politicians are openly concerned about the pact signed by the Russian Federation and North Korea. One South Korean official admitted that the policy regarding Ukraine should be "reconsidered". So far, Seoul has refused to provide armed support to Ukraine, adhering to the principle that it does not sell its equipment where war is ongoing.

Putin's tour of Asia. what is his goal?

Vladimir Putin visited North Korea and Vietnam. His tour of Asia is not only an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with these countries but also a way to show that Russia is not isolated, as the West would have it. Some observers point out that Putin wanted to demonstrate that he still enjoys significant support.

Putin's trip was also a clear signal to the West that the words about the possible provision of weapons to countries hostile to Western democracies are not just empty promises, but a step the Russian dictator is ready to take.

If someone considers it possible to supply such weapons to a combat zone to strike our territory and create problems for us, then why do we not have the right to supply our weapons of the same class to those regions of the world from which the strikes will be carried out on sensitive objects of those countries that do this in relation to Russia? — Putin said.
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