Russian Deputy Foreign Minister: "South Korea's Military Aid to Ukraine Will Negatively Affect South Korea–Russia Relations"

"Negative Impact on South Korea–Russia Relations"
Calls for Withdrawal from Sanctions Against Russia
South Korea to Maintain Support for Ukraine

Andrei Rudenko, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, has warned that the possibility of South Korea providing military aid to Ukraine could negatively impact South Korea–Russia relations.

Andrei Rudenko, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. Photo by TASS Yonhap News

In an interview with Russia’s state-run TASS news agency on the 25th (local time), Deputy Minister Rudenko stated, “We have repeatedly conveyed via diplomatic channels that South Korea’s military support for Kyiv would inevitably have a negative impact on South Korea–Russia relations,” adding, “We hope South Korea will continue to maintain its current position.” This statement was in response to reports that South Korea has refused to provide air defense support to Ukraine.

Regarding the potential for improved South Korea–Russia relations, Rudenko criticized South Korea’s sanctions policies against Russia. He noted that although there are individuals in South Korea who support normalizing political dialogue and restoring trade and economic cooperation with Russia, he argued that relations cannot improve as long as the South Korean government continues to participate in Western sanctions against Russia.

The South Korean government has stated that it will continue to support Ukraine. On the 23rd, Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Andriy Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, in New York, United States, and affirmed that South Korea would continue to provide necessary assistance to the Ukrainian people.

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