Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, issued a stern warning to the United States, South Korea, and Japan regarding their military cooperation aimed at North Korea during a visit to the eastern North Korean city of Wonsan on March 15, 2024. Lavrov’s remarks came during his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, where he conveyed greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed strengthening military ties between the two nations.
During the meeting, Kim reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to “unconditionally support and encourage all measures” taken by Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. He emphasized that Pyongyang and Moscow share aligned perspectives on “all strategic issues in conformity with the level of alliance,” according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Lavrov emphasized the need for enhanced “strategic and tactical cooperation” between the two countries.
The relationship between Russia and North Korea has strengthened in recent years. North Korea has reportedly supplied troops and ammunition to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine, while receiving military and economic support in return. This evolving partnership has raised alarm among South Korea, the United States, and other countries, concerned that Russia may transfer sensitive technologies to North Korea, potentially bolstering its nuclear and missile capabilities.
In a press briefing following his discussions with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, Lavrov accused the U.S., South Korea, and Japan of escalating military buildups in the region. “We warn against exploiting these ties to build alliances directed against anyone, including North Korea and, of course, Russia,” he stated, according to Russia’s state news agency Tass.
The U.S., South Korea, and Japan have intensified their trilateral military exercises in response to North Korea’s advancing nuclear program. Recently, they conducted a joint air drill near the Korean Peninsula involving U.S. nuclear-capable bombers. Their top military officials met in Seoul, urging North Korea to halt all unlawful activities that threaten regional security.
North Korea has consistently perceived major U.S.-led military drills as rehearsals for invasion and has long argued that its nuclear development is necessary for self-defense against perceived U.S. threats. Lavrov acknowledged North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, stating, “The technologies used by North Korea are the result of the work of its own scientists. We respect North Korea’s aspirations and understand the reasons why it is pursuing nuclear development,” as reported by Tass.
During the discussions, Choe reiterated North Korea’s “unconditional” support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. As tensions continue to rise in the region, the implications of the growing partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang will likely influence security dynamics across East Asia.
