In a recent interview with international media ahead of the NATO summit, President Yoon Suk-yeol issued a direct warning to Russia. He urged Russia to carefully consider whether South Korea or North Korea is a more important and necessary partner. This statement came in response to the strengthening military ties between Russia and North Korea, which have reached an alliance level.
During the written interview with Reuters, President Yoon emphasized, "North Korea is clearly a nuisance to the international community," and stressed that the future of South Korea-Russia relations depends entirely on Russia's stance. Following the North Korea-Russia summit on June 19, where a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty was signed, the South Korean government had previously warned Russia that it might reconsider its policy of not providing lethal weapons to Ukraine. This is the first time President Yoon has directly addressed Russia regarding this matter.
President Yoon highlighted that military cooperation between Russia and North Korea poses a significant threat to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Europe. He reiterated the government's stance that decisions on providing weapons to Ukraine would be based on the level and content of Russia-North Korea cooperation, including arms deals, military technology transfers, and support for strategic materials.
Additionally, President Yoon pointed out that Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has actively participated in sanctions resolutions against North Korea. He expressed increasing concerns about Russia's involvement in illegal military cooperation and economic support for North Korea, warning that continuous violations of UN resolutions by Russia could have negative impacts on South Korea-Russia relations.
While the interview did not disclose responses regarding questions about nuclear armament or the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons, the President's office reported that President Yoon emphasized the importance of firmly establishing the U.S.-South Korea extended deterrence system in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. He noted that the "Washington Declaration" agreed upon last April has significantly strengthened deterrence and response capabilities through the U.S.-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG).
President Yoon is scheduled to attend the NATO summit in Washington D.C. on July 10-11. This marks his third consecutive participation in the NATO summit. Given the increasing military threats from China and Russia, NATO is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries. The summit is expected to include messages condemning the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia and may result in a joint document expanding cooperation between NATO allies and the Asia-Pacific Four (AP4), including South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
In the Reuters interview, President Yoon also announced plans to elevate cooperation with NATO to a new level by inviting NATO allies to the Allied Power Exercise (APEX), an international cyber training event hosted by South Korea's intelligence agency in Seoul this September.
