"Russia Planned to Attack Pohang Steelworks and Busan Chemical Plant in Case of War with Korea"

Foreign Media Obtain and Report on Russian Confidential Military Documents
Experts Say "Evidence Linking Asian and European Issues"

A document has been discovered revealing that Russia planned missile strikes on key facilities in preparation for a potential war with South Korea over a decade ago.

Major foreign media outlets reported on the 31st of last month (local time) that they obtained a classified Russian military document containing such details. It is estimated to have been written between 2013 and 2014.

The document, bearing the insignia of the Russian Military Comprehensive Academy, a command and staff training institution, was compiled by extracting content from 29 classified Russian military documents created between 2008 and 2014.

The main content of the document is known to be officer training for potential conflicts that could occur along Russia's eastern borders.

In particular, it includes references to the possible launch of Russia’s Kh-101 non-nuclear cruise missiles at major targets in South Korea and Japan in case of emergency, discussing how a hypothetical attack might unfold.

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Specifically, the plan lists striking 160 locations in South Korea and Japan, including roads, bridges, and factories. It also includes 82 military facilities such as central and regional command centers, radar installations, air force bases, and naval facilities. The stated purpose is to “prevent troop redeployment in operational areas.”

Additionally, civilian industrial facilities such as the Pohang Steelworks and Busan chemical plants were also included on the interception target list.

A memo regarding South Korea’s command and control bunkers included estimated troop numbers required to breach defensive lines. Other details such as facility size and potential production capacity were also specified.

For Japan, 13 locations were listed, including transportation infrastructure such as the Kanmon Tunnel connecting Honshu and Kyushu islands, as well as power facilities like nuclear power plants and refineries.

The document also contained information that Russia dispatched Tu-95 bombers on February 24, 2014, to test the air defense networks of South Korea and Japan.

Foreign media emphasized the document’s serious concerns about Russia’s eastern region, noting, “Russian military planners fear that if a war with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) occurs, Russia’s eastern borders could be exposed and vulnerable to attacks by U.S. military assets and regional allies.”

William Alberque, former NATO arms control official at the U.S. Stimson Center, analyzed, “This document shows how Russia perceives threats from Western allies in Asia,” adding, “It further confirms that war situations in Asia and Europe are directly connected.”

He continued, “Asia cannot ignore conflicts in Europe, and if war breaks out in Asia, Europe cannot just stand by.”