Russia views South Korea's decision to impose sanctions on Russian individuals and entities as unfriendly. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, expressed this sentiment on Wednesday. She stated that Russia would respond appropriately to these sanctions. South Korea's sanctions target two Russian ships accused of transporting military cargo to North Korea. Additionally, South Korea sanctioned two Russian organizations and two Russian citizens allegedly linked to Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.
Zakharova condemned Seoul's actions, emphasizing that the sanctions are illegitimate and will harm relations between the two countries. She defended Russia's relations with North Korea, stating that they comply with international law and do not threaten South Korea's national security. Russia's ties with North Korea have strengthened, particularly after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia's far east last year.
Recently, Russia vetoed the annual renewal of a panel of experts monitoring United Nations sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear and missile programs. This move was made amidst US-led allegations that North Korea transferred weapons to Russia for use in the conflict in Ukraine. Both Russia and North Korea denied these allegations but pledged to deepen their military relations.
Zakharova reiterated Russia's commitment to UN Security Council resolutions regarding North Korea but criticized the effectiveness of sanctions. She argued that sanctions only harm the population and do not achieve their intended goals. Furthermore, Zakharova accused the United States of destabilizing the Korean peninsula.
