South Korea may reconsider its position on arms supplies to Ukraine after the DPRK and Russia signed an agreement that provides for a mutual obligation to provide immediate military assistance if one of them is attacked, South Korean news agency Yonhap reports.
During a press conference, National Security Advisor Jang Ho-jin expressed regret over the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed during yesterday's meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang.
According to him, any cooperation that directly or indirectly contributes to North Korea's military strengthening is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and will be subject to international control and sanctions. Chang said Seoul would take appropriate measures.
"We plan to reconsider the issue of arms support for Ukraine," Chang said.
In this way, he hinted at a change in South Korea's policy of not providing lethal aid to Ukraine, the publication emphasises.
The official said that Seoul would maintain strategic uncertainty about the types of weapons. "Specific measures will be made public later, and it will be interesting to see how Russia responds, rather than revealing our plans in advance," the official told reporters.
According to Chang, South Korea will also impose additional sanctions on four ships, five organisations and eight individuals involved in the transfer of weapons and oil between Russia and North Korea.