Russia's rapprochement with DPRK threatens entire region - EU official

23.06.2024 03:20

Ukrinform

The latest boost of military ties between Russia and the DPRK, which was once again evidenced by Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang, not only causes concern in the EU countries, but also poses a threat for the countries across the region, since in exchange for Korean shells to be used in the war against Ukraine, the Kremlin might transfer to North Korea its missile and nuclear technology.

This was stated by a high-ranking EU official in a comment to Ukrinform ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council scheduled for next Monday.

It is expected that the High Representative of the EU will mention the visit and Putin's closer relations with North Korea. During that visit, several agreements were signed that lack any transparency, so their content remains unclear. A year ago, Russia’s defense and foreign affairs ministers visited North Korea, after which leaders Kim Jong-un and Putin met in Russia’s Far East. This resulted in the delivery of 1 million Korean artillery rounds to Russia, and it remains unknown what Russia has vowed or already provided to North Korea in return. But there are reasons to believe that they this is about nuclear missile technology," the European official said.

He noted that Russia, which is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, participated in the preparation and adoption of multiple resolutions targeting North Korea's nuclear program, as well as applied relevant sanctions. Currently, Russia is directly violating its obligations undertaken within the UN Security Council. Under these conditions, it is almost impossible to control what kind of weapons cross into and out DPRK. It is obvious that Vladimir Putin is taking such steps because he desperately needs support and weapons for his aggression against Ukraine.

Three conclusions are important, the EU source believes. The first is that Putin has become really isolated. That North Korea, one of the world’s poorest countries, is Russia’s best ally, this speaks volumes about the international situation of Russia, the source believes.

The second conclusion, according to the official, is that such a rapprochement between Russia and the DPRK is dangerous for the entire region.

"This is a problem not only for us, the countries of the region are extremely concerned. We saw the reaction from South Korea, which announced it would supply weapons to Kyiv. We saw the reaction from Putin, who directly threatened South Korea," the source noted.

The third conclusion is that China’s approach remains interesting, that is, trying to keep a distance.

"The Chinese are not commenting on this, although they should be really concerned. Because if something goes wrong in North Korea, it will directly affect them (China), not Russia. So, we are monitoring these developments and they will be discussed on Monday. We will follow the situation very closely, together with our friends in Japan and South Korea, and certainly with our American friends," said the high-ranking EU representative.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Council of EU Foreign Ministers will be held in Luxembourg on Monday to consider the extension of aid to Ukraine. In addition, the ministers will exchange views on the developments in the Middle East, EU relations with the Western Balkans, the events in Georgia and the African Great Lakes region.