Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that Russia could supply weapons to North Korea in response to Western nations arming Ukraine.
He made these remarks while speaking to reporters in Vietnam, a day after visiting North Korea and signing a mutual defense agreement with Kim Jong Un.
Western countries have isolated North Korea due to its nuclear and missile programs, and are concerned about Moscow’s growing ties with Pyongyang.
Earlier this month, Putin had warned that Russia might arm Western adversaries because of Western support for Ukraine, including providing high-precision weapons and allowing them to target Russia.
The treaty signed by Putin and Kim commits both countries to provide immediate military assistance to each other in case of aggression.
Putin stated that Russia’s cooperation with North Korea would serve as a deterrent to the West, but clarified that they had no intention of involving North Korean soldiers in the conflict in Ukraine.
Regarding South Korea, Putin warned that it would be a “big mistake” if Seoul decided to supply arms to Ukraine.
He said Moscow would respond in a way that would be painful for Seoul.
These remarks came after reports that South Korea was considering supplying weapons to Ukraine in response to the defense pact between Russia and North Korea.
Putin also discussed potential changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, driven by what he perceives as evolving views on nuclear use among Russia’s adversaries.
Russia’s current doctrine allows for the use of nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack or a conventional attack that threatens the state’s existence.
