Union between Russia and North Korea raises tensions; South Korea threatens to arm Ukraine and intensifies crisis on the international stage
South Korea, known for its strategic stance and alignment with the US, is threatening to escalate tensions in the region by directly challenging Russia. In response to the alliance between the Kremlin and North Korea, which significantly strengthened the Russian campaign in Ukraine, Seoul demonstrated its dissatisfaction and made clear threats that could have global consequences.
This week, the South Korean government expressed its outrage, calling the Russian ambassador Georgiy Zinoviev to demand the immediate withdrawal of North Korean soldiers who, according to the Seoul government, were being trained by Russia to fight in Ukraine.
“The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia is a direct threat to the security of the region,” said a South Korean official, highlighting the tone of confrontation that has intensified.
Despite South Korea’s aggressive stance, the Kremlin adopted a more conciliatory tone, trying to minimize Seoul’s concerns. Zinoviev reiterated that the alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang is “within the framework of international law”while the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskovstated that the partnership “shouldn’t worry anyone”disqualifying reports about the sending of troops as “contradictory”.
South Korea makes threats and attacks Kremlin
Faced with Russian assurances, South Korea released satellite images that it said would show 1,500 North Korean soldiers being sent to Russia.
Seoul is now considering the possibility of sending weapons to Ukraine, which would mark a drastic change in its policy of not directly involving itself in international conflicts.
“If Russia continues its dangerous alliance, all options are on the table,” said an official from Russia’s cabinet. Yoon Suk Yeolpresident of Korea.
Seoul’s threat is not just empty. South Korea has a vast arsenal of weapons that could change the course of the war in Ukraine, including 155mm artillery shellsa scarce resource for Kiev and its Western allies. A South Korean military intervention in support of Ukraine could deal a significant blow to Russian forces, something the Kremlin wants to avoid at all costs.
Russia stands firm and strengthens the alliance
Despite Seoul’s threats and aggressive actions, Russia continues to expand its cooperation with North Korea. The recent partnership not only secures crucial munitions for the Russian campaign in Ukraine, but also strengthens the Kremlin’s position in East Asia.
“The alliance with North Korea is a strategic move that goes far beyond Ukraine,” said an analyst close to the Russian government.
In Russia’s view, collaboration with Pyongyang is a clear sign that Moscow is willing to expand its partnerships and challenge the influence of the US and its allies in the Asia-Pacific.
South Korea, on the other hand, seems to want to pour gasoline on the fire by threatening to arm Ukraine, something that clearly bothers the Kremlin, but which, so far, has not made it back down.
The role of the West and the pressure on Seoul
As Russia strengthens its ties with North Korea, Western countries such as the United States are pressuring South Korea to send weapons to Ukraine. In 2023, the New York Times revealed that the president Joe Biden had previously requested South Korean military support, but Seoul hesitated.
Now, with the new alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, South Korea appears to be reconsidering its position and, according to analysts, may be about to break its history of not direct military involvement.
However, analysts say Seoul’s response to the new Russia-North Korea alliance may be nothing more than rhetoric.
While South Korea threatens to react “with all available means”, the Kremlin remains firm in its stance, using its influence to shape the geopolitics of the region.
A geopolitical chess game
The South Korean threat to arm Ukraine could have devastating effects, but it is also seen by some as a desperate attempt by Seoul to maintain regional relevance in the face of growing Russian power.
Russia, in turn, continues its strategic campaign with Pyongyang, showing that it is willing to ally with whoever is necessary to strengthen its global position and challenge Western interests in the region.
Ultimately, while South Korea raises concerns about Russian and North Korean maneuvers, Moscow maintains control, reasserting its jurisdiction over its own interests and making clear that Seoul’s threats will not impede its plans.
As I said Lin JianChinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, “there is nothing more normal than Chinese aircraft carriers operating in their own territory and waters,” suggesting that for Russia, the same principle applies to its actions.
With information from News Agencies
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/10/23/alianca-russia-coreia-do-norte-provoca-furia-em-seul/
