Russia warns S. Korea’s potential arms supply to Ukraine could lead to ‘irreversible’ results

SEOUL, June 26 (Yonhap) — South Korea’s possible supply of lethal weapons to Ukraine could result in “irreversible consequences” in its relations with Russia, a Russian foreign ministry official said Wednesday.

The warning came after National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin said South Korea will review the possibility of supplying weapons to Ukraine after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a pact pledging mutual defense in the event of war. Chang later said the extent of its arms supply to Ukraine will depend on Russia’s actions.

In response, Putin warned South Korea would be making a “big mistake” if it decided to supply lethal weapons to Ukraine.

“We would like to warn the Republic of Korea against rash steps that could lead to irreversible consequences for Russian-South Korean relations,” Maria Zakharova, Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, told reporters, according to Russian news agency Sputnik.

Zakharova was quoted as saying that Russia will not sit by as South Korean weapons and equipment are transferred to Ukraine, emphasizing that bilateral ties between Seoul and Moscow will deteriorate in the event lethal weapons are supplied.

The Russian official also said modifying U.N. Security Council sanctions resolutions against North Korea would be an effective way for detente, according to Sputnik.

South Korea’s assistance to Ukraine has included military supplies, such as first-aid kits, medicine, portable mine detectors and protective suits, but the country has maintained a policy of not providing lethal aid.