On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol described North Korea as an “irrational group” and the only country in the world that has legalized the preventive use of nuclear weapons. The next day, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized Yoon’s words as “blatantly biased”.[1] Afterwards, South Korean Deputy Minister Chung Byung-won described in his statement that they found Russia’s statements extremely rude. Continuing his words, Chung emphasized that “the situation of Russia, which ignores the facts and protects North Korea unconditionally, is very regrettable, and this will only worsen Korea-Russia relations.”
In order to discuss this incident and to protest, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Russian diplomats to the ministry. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko’s visit to Seoul, which was canceled in September, took place on February 2, 2024, when he went to South Korea to discuss both security and regional issues. It is noteworthy that Rudenko’s trip took place after the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Yoon Suk Yeol. This situation is also important in understanding the differences in the two countries’ attitudes towards North Korea. Especially North Korea’s increasing missile tests in the last month and the deadlock in diplomatic channels are greatly disturbing South Korea, which is approaching the election period. Thanks to the meeting with Russia, these issues were discussed more openly.
During Rudenko’s visit, South Korean Deputy Minister Chung conveyed his country’s harsh stance on military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow to the Russian delegate. Because North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia in September, possibly discussing ammunition North Korea could provide to support Russia’s war in Ukraine in exchange for technical help Pyongyang could receive from Moscow to hone its weapons.[2] Afterwards, situations arose such as North Korea launching a spy satellite into space, shutting down units related to South Korea, and increasing nuclear tests.
Regarding this, South Korea’s Special Representative for Peace and Security Affairs on the Korean Peninsula, Kim Gunn, also held talks with Rudenko.[3] Kim called on Moscow to strictly comply with its obligations to United Nations Security Council resolutions, including the immediate cessation of its military ties with Pyongyang that threaten the security of the Korean Peninsula and Europe.[4] In the statement of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the meeting, they said Moscow intends continue developing cooperation with North Korea “in the interests of both countries and their peoples, as well as strengthening peace and stability in the region.”[5] The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs used the following statements:[6]
“It was clearly stated that its main source is the irresponsible provocative policy of Washington, which, for its own geopolitical purposes, is trying to encourage regional allies to implement their aggressive plans, fraught with unpredictable consequences, including in the military sphere.”
According to Russia; The main reason for the rising tension in the region is the increasing military presence of the United States (US) in Northeast Asia. Moreover, the strengthening of the US-Japan-South Korea alliance in the military-security field is the main reason for North Korea to develop its defense industry.
One of the factors that has been effective in North Korea’s proactive behavior in the military field since the last quarter of 2023 is the strengthening of its relations with Russia. This has turned into a major threat to South Korean border security. Because technological developments in the military field distract North Korea from reaching a diplomatic engagement with South Korea. At a time when South Korean domestic politics is active due to elections, Pyongyang’s actions worry Seoul. In order to solve this situation, Seoul is trying to establish the dialogue -which cannot establish with Pyongyang- through both China and Russia.
Although the war with Ukraine is a priority for Russia’s interests, it is also important to keep its eastern border safe. Close relations with North Korea and China serve this purpose and make it easier for Moscow to focus on the war in Ukraine. Moreover, economic and military cooperation with North Korea and China relieve the problems of Russia, which is struggling under Western sanctions.
Although there has been no direct discussion between South Korea and Russia until the recent talks, Russia’s rapprochement with North Korea is damaging bilateral relations. After the elections in South Korea, it can be expected that dialogue with Russia will be emphasized and bilateral relations will be put on track. Ultimately, South Korea-Russia security talks allowed the main issues between the two countries to be discussed and opinions about North Korea to be openly expressed.
[1] Yi Wonju, “S. Korea Calls on Moscow to Act Responsibly as Russian Deputy FM Visits Seoul”, Yonhap News Agency, https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240204002152315?section=national/diplomacy, (Access Date: 05.02.2024).
[2] Christy Lee, “Analysts: Russia-North Korea Military Ties Pose Dilemma for China”, Voice of America, https://www.voanews.com/a/analysts-russia-north-korea-military-ties-pose-dilemma-for-china/7467749.html, (Access Date: 05.02.2024).
[3] Cynthia Kim & Hyonhee Shin, “South Korea Summons Russian Envoy Over Criticism Of President Yoon’s Remarks”, REUTERS, https://www.reuters.com/world/south-korea-summons-russian-envoy-over-criticism-president-yoons-remarks-foreign-2024-02-03/, (Access Date: 05.02.2024).
[4] Yi Wonju, “S. Korea Calls on Moscow to Act Responsibly as Russian Deputy FM Visits Seoul”, Yonhap News Agency, https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240204002152315?section=national/diplomacy, (Access Date: 05.02.2024).
[5] “Russia, South Korea Hold Tense Security Talks in Seoul”, Anadolu Agency News, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/russia-south-korea-hold-tense-security-talks-in-seoul/3127323, (Access Date: 05.02.2024).
[6] “Seoul Warns Russia ‘Rude’ Remarks About Yoon’s North Korea Policy Would Worsen Ties”, South China Morning Post, https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3250880/seoul-warns-russia-rude-remarks-about-yoons-north-korea-policy-would-worsen-ties, (Access Date: 05.02.2024).
