Russia considers South Korea’s decision to impose sanctions on Russian citizens and Russian entities to be a hostile move and will respond in due course, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said today.
South Korea has imposed sanctions on two Russian ships that South Korean authorities say were carrying military cargo to North Korea. Seoul said on Tuesday it had also imposed sanctions on two Russian organizations and two Russian citizens linked to Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.
“It is a hostile move from Seoul and it is very sad. Imposing – I emphasize this – illegal sanctions will have a negative impact on relations with Russia,” Zakharova told reporters at the weekly briefing.
“Russia is developing good-neighborly relations with friendly North Korea in accordance with international law and without harming South Korea’s national security,” he added.
Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have strengthened since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Russian Far East last year.
Russia’s veto
Last week Russia vetoed the annual renewal of a panel of experts overseeing the implementation of United Nations sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The move comes amid accusations from countries led by the US that North Korea has transferred weapons to Russia to use in its war in Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang deny the accusations, but pledged last year to step up military ties.
Zakharova reiterated that Moscow remains bound by UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea as a whole, but added that sanctions against Pyongyang are not working as intended.
“It is clear that endless sanctions are completely useless in achieving the stated goals. They lead to financial and economic blockade of an entire state with all the consequent consequences for the population,” he said.
Zakharova accused the United States of seeking to foment instability on the Korean peninsula.
“South Korea is obviously not immune to protect itself from Washington’s external influence,” the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman added.
Source: RES-MPE
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