Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday took a swipe at North Korea, saying it could risk pushing Russia to closer ties with North Korea.
"We have very good relations with the Republic of Korea, and we have always had a dialogue with both the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. But now we learn that the Republic of Korea has decided to supply weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. This will ruin our relationship".
"Look, how would South Korea react if we resume cooperation with North Korea in this area? Would it make them happy? You need to keep this in mind," he warned.
The full text of Putin's speech and answer is available here: The transcript of Putin's keynote address and answers at the Valdai Discussion Club
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol quickly denied that they provided any lethal weapons to Ukraine.
“We’ve provided humanitarian and peaceful assistance to Ukraine in solidarity with the international community but never lethal weapons or any such things,” South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency quoted Yoon as saying.
“But in any case, it’s a matter of our sovereignty, and I’d like you to know that we are trying to maintain peaceful and good relations with all countries around the world, including Russia,” he said.
