Russia criticizes South Korea's self-sanctions, warns "It will negatively affect bilateral relations"

Russia criticized the sanctions against Russia independently announced by the South Korean government as "unfriendly measures" and stated that they would have a negative impact on bilateral relations.

Kim Jong-un meeting with President Putin. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 3rd (local time), Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a briefing, "South Korea's imposition of sanctions on Russian citizens and entities is an unfriendly measure."

She added, "This measure will have a negative impact on bilateral relations," and warned that Russia would respond accordingly.

The previous day, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it would include two Russian vessels involved in transporting military supplies to North Korea, two Russian institutions involved in dispatching North Korean workers in information technology (IT), and two individuals as targets of independent sanctions. This is the first time the South Korean government has imposed independent sanctions solely on Russian-flagged vessels, institutions, and individuals.