2024-04-04 17:51:16
Russia considers South Korea’s decision to impose sanctions on Russian individuals and legal entities as “hostile” and will take retaliatory measures, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said today, quoted by Reuters.
The Republic of Korea yesterday imposed sanctions on two Russian ships it believes are carrying military cargo to North Korea, as well as two Russian organizations and two Russian citizens linked to Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programs.
“This is a hostile act by Seoul that is deeply regrettable. I emphasize that the imposition of illegitimate sanctions will have a negative impact on relations with Russia,” Zakharova told reporters during the regular weekly press conference.
“Russia is developing good-neighborly relations with a friendly North Korea according to the norms of international law without threatening international security,” she added.
Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have strengthened since North Korean leader Kim Jong-un undertook a tour of the Russian Far East last year.
Last week, Russia vetoed a UN resolution on monitoring compliance with sanctions imposed by the international organization on North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs.
Zakharova reiterated today that Moscow continues to adhere to UN Security Council resolutions regarding North Korea, but added that the sanctions against it are not working as planned.
“It is clear that endless sanctions are completely useless in achieving the goals set. They lead to a financial and economic blockade of the entire country with consequences for its population,” she said.
Zakharova accused the US of wanting to cause “instability” on the Korean Peninsula, BTA writes.
“South Korea clearly lacks the immunity to protect itself from Washington’s external influence,” she concluded.