Yoon: "Rus-North Military Deal Provokes S. Korea and Ukraine... Will Not Stand By"

Direct Hit on Russia-Ukraine Military Exchange
"Permanent Security Council Member Receiving Support from Countries Invading Others and Violating Security Council Resolutions Is Self-Contradictory"

President Yoon Suk-yeol warned on the 20th (local time) that the military exchanges between Russia and North Korea could strengthen North Korea's nuclear and missile technology, stating, "The Republic of Korea and its allies and friendly countries will not stand idly by."

In his keynote speech at the 78th United Nations General Assembly high-level session held at the UN Headquarters in New York, President Yoon said, "If North Korea obtains information and technology necessary to enhance its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) capabilities in exchange for providing conventional weapons to Russia, the military transactions between Russia and North Korea will be provocations directly targeting not only Ukraine but also the security and peace of the Republic of Korea."

This statement directly addressed North Korean Workers' Party General Secretary Kim Jong-un's recent visit to Russia, where he held a North Korea-Russia summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and agreed to expand military exchanges between the two countries.

Notably, President Yoon used the term "Rabu" (Russo-North Korean) instead of the previously used "Bukro" (North Korea-Russia) when referring to the military exchanges. This is interpreted as considering the aspect that North Korea could pose a more direct threat to South Korea.

President Yoon criticized North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations as "not only a direct and existential threat to the peace of the Republic of Korea but also a serious challenge to peace in the Indo-Pacific region and the world."

He also pointed out to Russia, "It is self-contradictory that a permanent member of the UN Security Council, which should be the ultimate guardian of world peace, invades neighboring countries by force, starts wars, and receives support in weapons and military supplies from regimes that blatantly violate UN Security Council resolutions."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also emphasized the need for the international community to unite to block the military actions of North Korea and Russia. President Yoon urged, "Although each country has different military capabilities, when we all firmly unite and pool our strength, and act consistently based on principles, any illegal provocation can be blocked."

He continued, "The Republic of Korea, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2024-2025, will work closely with UN member states to promote and build world peace and fulfill a responsible role. It is the historic duty of all of us gathered here today to pass on to future generations an international order where justice and the rule of law breathe, as well as sustainable freedom, peace, and prosperity. The Republic of Korea will willingly shoulder this responsibility together with the UN."

President Yoon also reaffirmed his experience visiting Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, in July and his commitment to support Ukraine's reconstruction. He said, "Without international peace and security, we cannot achieve any development or prosperity. During my visit to Kyiv last July, I saw the pitiful eyes of children receiving treatment at the National Children's Hospital. The first victims of war are children, and they are indeed our future."

Furthermore, he stated, "The Korean government will implement a comprehensive support program covering security, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction under the Ukraine Peace Solidarity Initiative pledge. As announced at the G20 summit two weeks ago, next year we will provide $300 million in grants and prepare an additional mid- to long-term support package exceeding $2 billion to actively assist Ukraine's reconstruction."