Putin Suggests Possible Arms Supply to North Korea in Response to Western Arming of Ukraine
President Vladimir Putin recently hinted at the possibility of Russia supplying weapons to North Korea as a potential response to Western countries arming Ukraine. The statement came after Putin's visit to North Korea where he signed a mutual defence agreement with Kim Jong Un. This move has raised concerns among Western nations due to North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile development in violation of UN sanctions. The treaty between Russia and North Korea commits both countries to provide military assistance in the event of armed aggression against either party. Putin emphasized that the cooperation with North Korea aims to act as a deterrent to the West, but clarified that using North Korean soldiers in the conflict in Ukraine was unnecessary. In response to speculations about South Korea potentially supplying arms to Ukraine, Putin warned against such actions and mentioned that Moscow would respond in a manner that could be detrimental to Seoul. The deal between Russia and North Korea prompted discussions regarding the depth of their security commitment, with some viewing it as a restoration of a Cold War-era alliance while others perceive it as more symbolic than substantial. An analyst noted that the agreement seemed carefully phrased to avoid automatic military intervention. Furthermore, Putin alluded to potential changes in Russia's nuclear doctrine, citing evolving perspectives on nuclear use among adversaries as a driving factor. He mentioned considerations to modify the existing doctrine in response to new developments lowering the threshold for nuclear use, such as the development of low-power nuclear devices. Putin's discourse on potential changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine has intensified against the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine, with the Russian president emphasizing the strength and deterrence of Russia's nuclear arsenal amidst geopolitical tensions.
Related Sources: