Russia: "South Korea's New Export Restrictions to Russia Negatively Affect Bilateral Relations"

Russia criticized the additional export restrictions against Russia introduced by the South Korean government earlier this month, stating that they negatively affect bilateral relations.

According to Sputnik News on the 11th (local time), Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pointed out at a briefing that the recent expansion by South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the list of items requiring special permits for export to Russia is a "hostile measure."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Spokesperson Zakharova emphasized, "We once again stress that this measure, along with the sanctions unilaterally imposed earlier by South Korea, is illegal," adding, "This further deteriorates trade and economic relations with our country and clearly does not help maintain bilateral relations in the still possible practical areas."

She continued, "It undoubtedly hinders Korean companies that previously left Russia from returning to the Russian market in the future."

Zakharova also urged the South Korean government, "Do not follow the illegal measures of other countries that go against South Korea's interests."

In response, a South Korean Foreign Ministry official emphasized, "Our expansion of the list of export-controlled items to Russia is part of participating in the international community's various efforts to end the war in Ukraine and achieve a peaceful recovery," adding, "It is a legitimate measure to respond to our security threats, such as Russia-North Korea cooperation."

On the 5th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced the 35th Strategic Items Export and Import Notice, which added 243 items to the list of non-strategic goods exported to Russia and Belarus that are highly likely to be diverted for military purposes and are therefore basically prohibited from export, increasing the total to 1,402 items.