Russia will respond to South Korea’s decision to impose sanctions on Russian citizens and businesses in due course, according to Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, on Wednesday ( Apr 3 ).
Two Russian warships, which it claims were carrying defense goods to North Korea, are subject to sanctions from South Korea. Seoul announced on Tuesday that it had sanctioned two Soviet individuals and two organizations connected to Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.
” This is an unfriendly walk by Seoul and is deeply terrible. At her regular briefing, Zakharova stated to reporters that the imposition of- I emphasize- illegitimate sanctions may have a bad impact on relations with Russia.
Without compromising ( South Korea’s ) national security, she continued,” Russia is developing good neighborly ties with friendly North Korea in accordance with international law.”
Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, visited Russia’s far south last year, and this has led to stronger ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Russia vetoed next month the annual renewal of a panel of experts looking into North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile plans.
The decision was made in response to US-led allegations that North Korea had given Russia arms for use in its conflict in Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the allegations, but both have pledged to strengthen military ties next month.
On Wednesday, Zakharova reiterated that Moscow was still committed to the UN Security Council’s recommendations regarding North Korea “in their totality,” but added that Pyongyang’s sanctions were failing in their planned meant place.
” It is obvious that arbitrary restrictions are ineffective in achieving the desired objectives. She said that they cause a financial and economic siege of an overall status, which has a number of negative effects for the people.
Zakharova accused the United States of seeking to inflame “instability” on the Korean peninsula.
” South Korea evidently lacks the resistance to shield itself from Washington’s exterior influence”, she added.