South Korea Denounces Russia-North Korea Pact and Considers Aid to Ukraine

Seoul, South Korea – South Korea has condemned a newly signed defense agreement between Russia and North Korea, describing the pact as “absurd.” This development follows a recent visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea, during which the two nations vowed mutual assistance in the event of an invasion.

South Korea’s presidential office has expressed concerns that Russia’s military support to North Korea could strain diplomatic relations between Seoul and Moscow. It also highlighted that any efforts to bolster North Korea’s military capabilities would breach United Nations resolutions.

In response, South Korea announced its intention to reevaluate the provision of weapons to Ukraine, while also committing to enhance its security cooperation with the United States and Japan.

Meanwhile, concerns over nuclear weapons testing continue to loom. Recent analysis of commercial satellite imagery by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies shows that the United States, Russia, and China are actively modernizing their nuclear testing facilities. This modernization includes the construction of new buildings, the development of new roads, and the excavation of new tunnels, signaling potential preparation for future tests. Although none of these countries have conducted underground nuclear tests since the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1996, recent activities suggest they are preparing for possible future tests if their political leaders decide to proceed.