Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that Russia may supply weapons to North Korea, suggesting a reciprocal move in response to Western nations arming Ukraine. Speaking in Vietnam following his visit to North Korea, Putin underscored the possibility of military collaboration with Pyongyang under a new mutual defense agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
This pact, signed on Wednesday, commits both nations to provide immediate military support in the event of armed aggression. Although Putin emphasized that there is no current need for North Korean soldiers in the Ukraine conflict, he did not rule out future arms supplies to North Korea, framing it as a deterrent against Western actions.
Putin’s comments come amid concerns from Western countries about the growing military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, particularly given North Korea’s defiance of UN sanctions through its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The U.S. and Ukraine have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery shells and ballistic missiles, claims both nations deny.
Additionally, Putin warned South Korea against supplying arms to Ukraine, suggesting severe repercussions for Seoul if it decides to do so. Despite South Korea’s burgeoning international military sales, it has maintained a policy against exporting weapons to active conflict zones, a stance now under review in light of the new Russia-North Korea defense agreement.
While some analysts view the pact as a symbolic gesture, others argue it signals a significant expansion in military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Furthermore, Putin hinted at possible revisions to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, driven by changes in Western attitudes toward nuclear use, including the development of low-power nuclear devices.
This development reflects Putin’s ongoing narrative of securing Russia’s safety amid the Ukraine conflict, stressing the potency of Russia’s nuclear arsenal and warning of global conflict risks should Western involvement deepen.
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