South Korea said Thursday that it would consider sending arms to Ukraine, a major policy change suggested after Russia and North Korea rattled the region and beyond by signing a pact to come to each other’s defense in the event of war.

The comments from a senior presidential official came hours after North Korea’s state media released the details of the agreement, which observers said could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. It comes at a time when Russia faces growing isolation over its war in Ukraine and both countries face escalating standoffs with the West.

According to the text of the deal published by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency, if either country gets invaded and is pushed into a state of war, the other must deploy “all means at its disposal without delay” to provide “military and other assistance.” But the agreement also says that such actions must be in accordance with the laws of both countries and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes a U.N. member state’s right to self-defense.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the pact at a summit Wednesday in Pyongyang. Both described it as a major upgrade of bilateral relations, covering security, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian ties.

The office of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a statement condemning the agreement, calling it a threat to the South’s security and a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and warned that it would have negative consequences on Seoul’s relations with Moscow.

“It’s absurd that two parties with a history of launching wars of invasion — the Korean War and the war in Ukraine — are now vowing mutual military cooperation on the premise of a preemptive attack by the international community that will never happen,” Yoon’s office said.

At the United Nations in New York, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul called it “deplorable” that Russia would act in violation of multiple U.N. sanctions resolutions against North Korea that Moscow voted for.

Yoon’s national security adviser, Chang Ho-jin, said Seoul would reconsider the issue of providing arms to Ukraine to help the country fight off Russia’s invasion.

South Korea, a growing arms exporter with a well-equipped military backed by the United States, has provided humanitarian aid and other support to Ukraine while joining U.S.-led economic sanctions against Moscow. But it has not directly provided arms to Kyiv, citing a longstanding policy of not supplying weapons to countries actively engaged in conflict.

The summit between Kim and Putin came as the U.S. and its allies expressed growing concern over a possible arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its war in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kim’s nuclear weapons and missile program.

Following their summit, Kim said the two countries had a “fiery friendship,” and that the deal was their “strongest-ever treaty,” putting the relationship at the level of an alliance. He vowed full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Putin called it a “breakthrough document” reflecting shared desires to move relations to a higher level.

North Korea and the former Soviet Union signed a treaty in 1961, which experts say necessitated Moscow’s military intervention if the North came under attack. The deal was discarded after the collapse of the USSR, replaced by one in 2000 that offered weaker security assurances.

There’s ongoing debate on how strong of a security commitment the deal entails. While some analysts see the agreement as a full restoration of the countries’ Cold War-era alliance, others say the deal seems more symbolic than substantial.

Ankit Panda, a senior analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the text appeared to be carefully worded as to not imply automatic military invention. 
But “the big picture here is that both sides are willing to put down on paper, and show the world, just how widely they intend to expand the scope of their cooperation,” he said.

The deal was made as Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years, a trip that showcased their personal and geopolitical ties with Kim hugging Putin twice at the airport, their motorcade rolling past giant Russian flags and Putin portraits, and a welcoming ceremony at Pyongyang’s main square attended by what appeared to be tens of thousands of spectators.

According to KCNA, the agreement also states that Pyongyang and Moscow must not enter into agreements with third parties if they infringe on the “core interests” of any of them and must not participate in actions that threaten those interests.

KCNA said the agreement requires the countries to take steps to prepare joint measures for the purpose of strengthening their defense capabilities to prevent war and protect regional and global peace and security. The agency didn’t specify what those steps are, or whether they would include combined military training and other cooperation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-pyongyang-yawn-social-media-buzzes-over-videos-of-bored-putin-at-north-korean-concert-733542">Putin's Pyongyang yawn: Social media buzzes over videos of 'bored' Putin at North Korean concert - See pics</a>

The agreement also calls for the countries to actively cooperate in efforts to establish a “just and multipolar new world order,” KCNA said, underscoring how the countries are aligning in face of their separate confrontations with the United States.

How the pact affects Russia’s relations with the South is a key development to watch, said Jenny Town, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington and director of the North Korea-focused 38 North website.

“Seoul had already signed onto sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, souring its relations with Moscow. Now with any ambiguity of Russia’s partnership with North Korea removed, how will Seoul respond?” she said. “Is there a point where it decides to cut or suspend diplomatic ties with Russia or expel its ambassador? And have we reached it?”

Kim in recent months has made Russia his priority as he pushes a foreign policy aimed at expanding relations with countries confronting Washington, embracing the idea of a “new Cold War” and trying to display a united front in Putin’s broader conflicts with the West.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years, with the pace of both Kim’s weapons tests and combined military exercises involving the U.S., South Korea and Japan intensifying in a tit-for-tat cycle.

The Koreas also have engaged in Cold War-style psychological warfare that involved North Korea dropping tons of trash on the South with balloons, and the South broadcasting anti-North Korean propaganda with its loudspeakers.

South Korea said Thursday that it would consider sending arms to Ukraine, a major policy change suggested after Russia and North Korea rattled the region and beyond by signing a pact to come to each other’s defense in the event of war.

South Korea said Thursday that it would consider sending arms to Ukraine, a major policy change suggested after Russia and North Korea rattled the region and beyond by signing a pact to come to each other’s defense in the event of war. The comments from a senior presidential official came hours after North Korea’s state media released the details of the agreement, which observers said could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. It comes at a time when Russia faces growing isolation over its war in Ukraine and both countries face escalating standoffs with the West. According to the text of the deal published by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency, if either country gets invaded and is pushed into a state of war, the other must deploy “all means at its disposal without delay” to provide “military and other assistance.” But the agreement also says that such actions must be in accordance with the laws of both countries and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes a U.N. member state’s right to self-defense. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the pact at a summit Wednesday in Pyongyang. Both described it as a major upgrade of bilateral relations, covering security, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian ties. The office of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a statement condemning the agreement, calling it a threat to the South’s security and a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and warned that it would have negative consequences on Seoul’s relations with Moscow. “It’s absurd that two parties with a history of launching wars of invasion — the Korean War and the war in Ukraine — are now vowing mutual military cooperation on the premise of a preemptive attack by the international community that will never happen,” Yoon’s office said. At the United Nations in New York, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul called it “deplorable” that Russia would act in violation of multiple U.N. sanctions resolutions against North Korea that Moscow voted for. Yoon’s national security adviser, Chang Ho-jin, said Seoul would reconsider the issue of providing arms to Ukraine to help the country fight off Russia’s invasion. South Korea, a growing arms exporter with a well-equipped military backed by the United States, has provided humanitarian aid and other support to Ukraine while joining U.S.-led economic sanctions against Moscow. But it has not directly provided arms to Kyiv, citing a longstanding policy of not supplying weapons to countries actively engaged in conflict. The summit between Kim and Putin came as the U.S. and its allies expressed growing concern over a possible arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its war in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kim’s nuclear weapons and missile program. Following their summit, Kim said the two countries had a “fiery friendship,” and that the deal was their “strongest-ever treaty,” putting the relationship at the level of an alliance. He vowed full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Putin called it a “breakthrough document” reflecting shared desires to move relations to a higher level. North Korea and the former Soviet Union signed a treaty in 1961, which experts say necessitated Moscow’s military intervention if the North came under attack. The deal was discarded after the collapse of the USSR, replaced by one in 2000 that offered weaker security assurances. There’s ongoing debate on how strong of a security commitment the deal entails. While some analysts see the agreement as a full restoration of the countries’ Cold War-era alliance, others say the deal seems more symbolic than substantial. Ankit Panda, a senior analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the text appeared to be carefully worded as to not imply automatic military invention. But “the big picture here is that both sides are willing to put down on paper, and show the world, just how widely they intend to expand the scope of their cooperation,” he said. The deal was made as Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years, a trip that showcased their personal and geopolitical ties with Kim hugging Putin twice at the airport, their motorcade rolling past giant Russian flags and Putin portraits, and a welcoming ceremony at Pyongyang’s main square attended by what appeared to be tens of thousands of spectators. According to KCNA, the agreement also states that Pyongyang and Moscow must not enter into agreements with third parties if they infringe on the “core interests” of any of them and must not participate in actions that threaten those interests. KCNA said the agreement requires the countries to take steps to prepare joint measures for the purpose of strengthening their defense capabilities to prevent war and protect regional and global peace and security. The agency didn’t specify what those steps are, or whether they would include combined military training and other cooperation. Also read: Putin's Pyongyang yawn: Social media buzzes over videos of 'bored' Putin at North Korean concert - See pics The agreement also calls for the countries to actively cooperate in efforts to establish a “just and multipolar new world order,” KCNA said, underscoring how the countries are aligning in face of their separate confrontations with the United States. How the pact affects Russia’s relations with the South is a key development to watch, said Jenny Town, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington and director of the North Korea-focused 38 North website. “Seoul had already signed onto sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, souring its relations with Moscow. Now with any ambiguity of Russia’s partnership with North Korea removed, how will Seoul respond?” she said. “Is there a point where it decides to cut or suspend diplomatic ties with Russia or expel its ambassador? And have we reached it?” Kim in recent months has made Russia his priority as he pushes a foreign policy aimed at expanding relations with countries confronting Washington, embracing the idea of a “new Cold War” and trying to display a united front in Putin’s broader conflicts with the West. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years, with the pace of both Kim’s weapons tests and combined military exercises involving the U.S., South Korea and Japan intensifying in a tit-for-tat cycle. The Koreas also have engaged in Cold War-style psychological warfare that involved North Korea dropping tons of trash on the South with balloons, and the South broadcasting anti-North Korean propaganda with its loudspeakers.

South Korea will consider supplying arms to Ukraine after Russia and North Korea sign strategic pact

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia’s far eastern city of Vladivostok on Saturday during his last leg of the Russia trip.

There, he met with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and the governor of Russia’s Primorsky region Oleg Kozhemyako.

Sergei Shoigu reportedly took the North Korean leader to the Vladivostok airport just outside the city where he was shown Russia’s nuclear-capable strategic bombers and other warplanes.

Kim was also shown with the Hypersonic Kinzhal missile, along with three models of strategic bombers—The Tu-160, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3.

“It can fly from Moscow to Japan and then back again,” Shoigu told Kim of one of the aircraft.

<h2>Kim 'impressed'</h2>

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency reported Saturday that Kim was impressed with what he described as Russia’s rapidly advancing aviation technologies.&nbsp;

He also said that the technological development in Russia was “outpacing the outside potential threats.”

<h2>Russia 'not to violate'&nbsp;any sanction on North Korea</h2>

Kim, who has been visiting Russia since Wednesday (Sept 13), held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral summit.&nbsp;

The visit has triggered speculations and concerns in the West that Russia and North Korea might forge a military alliance in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war.

WATCH:&nbsp;What’s the Russia – North Korea game plan?

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It is being speculated that Russia might explore purchasing arms from North Korea, and in return, help the heavily-sanctioned and isolated regime develop its missile programme.

However, the Russian leader told reporters Wednesday that Moscow was “not going to violate anything”, referring to longstanding sanctions imposed on North Korea by the United Nations.

<h2>US issues warning</h2>

The US has warned that Russia’s move to gain access to North Korea’s stockpiles will amount to a violation of UN sanctions and will be met by a strong retaliation.

The US also claimed that Russia was going to buy rockets from Pyongyang to use them against Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/north-koreas-kim-inspects-west-sanctioned-fighter-jet-plant-in-russian-far-east-636398">Also read:&nbsp;North Korea's Kim inspects West-sanctioned fighter jet plant in Russian Far East</a>

Meanwhile, Putin earlier said he would help North Korea develop satellites, further drawing concerns from the US.&nbsp;

"That is quite troubling and would potentially be in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions" which Russia itself had voted for in the past, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia’s far eastern city of Vladivostok on Saturday during his last leg of the Russia trip. There, he met with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and the governor of Russia’s Primorsky region Oleg Kozhemyako.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia’s far eastern city of Vladivostok on Saturday during his last leg of the Russia trip. There, he met with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and the governor of Russia’s Primorsky region Oleg Kozhemyako. Sergei Shoigu reportedly took the North Korean leader to the Vladivostok airport just outside the city where he was shown Russia’s nuclear-capable strategic bombers and other warplanes. Kim was also shown with the Hypersonic Kinzhal missile, along with three models of strategic bombers—The Tu-160, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3. “It can fly from Moscow to Japan and then back again,” Shoigu told Kim of one of the aircraft. Kim 'impressed' North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency reported Saturday that Kim was impressed with what he described as Russia’s rapidly advancing aviation technologies. He also said that the technological development in Russia was “outpacing the outside potential threats.” Russia 'not to violate' any sanction on North Korea Kim, who has been visiting Russia since Wednesday (Sept 13), held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral summit. The visit has triggered speculations and concerns in the West that Russia and North Korea might forge a military alliance in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war. WATCH: What’s the Russia – North Korea game plan? × It is being speculated that Russia might explore purchasing arms from North Korea, and in return, help the heavily-sanctioned and isolated regime develop its missile programme. However, the Russian leader told reporters Wednesday that Moscow was “not going to violate anything”, referring to longstanding sanctions imposed on North Korea by the United Nations. US issues warning The US has warned that Russia’s move to gain access to North Korea’s stockpiles will amount to a violation of UN sanctions and will be met by a strong retaliation. The US also claimed that Russia was going to buy rockets from Pyongyang to use them against Ukraine. Also read: North Korea's Kim inspects West-sanctioned fighter jet plant in Russian Far East Meanwhile, Putin earlier said he would help North Korea develop satellites, further drawing concerns from the US. "That is quite troubling and would potentially be in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions" which Russia itself had voted for in the past, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Wednesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia’s defence min shows bombers and missiles to Kim during last leg of trip

Russia President Vladimir Putin hosted North Korea’s Kim Jong-un at the country’s spaceport in far east Vostochny Cosmodrome on Wednesday (Sept 13) to begin talks on a range of issues like arms deal, space cooperation and humanitarian aid.

Putin said the location was chosen as Moscow planned to help North Korea with its satellite programmes, RIA Novosti reported.

During the more than an hour long meeting, Putin assured that Russia will help North Korea in building satellites, while Kim extended his support to Moscow’s “sacred fight” against the West.

Kim also praised Russia for having "stood up against the hegemonic forces" to defend its sovereignty and security, a veiled reference to the US and the West, and said he has expressed "full and unconditional support to all that Russia does in response."

<h2>'Will always stand by Russia'</h2>

"And that in the frontline of anti-imperialism and independence, I will always be standing with Russia, I’m using this opportunity to make it clear," the North Korean leader said.

Regarding arms deal, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the dialogue also centred on defence cooperation, but did not provide any further information.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-unidentified-ballistic-missiles-as-kim-and-putin-set-to-meet-635483">Putin-Kim meet begins as North Korea fires ‘unidentified’ ballistic missiles</a>

According to state-run outlet Russia 1, when asked about reports of arms talks between the two, Peskov said, "The full range of relations [between the two countries] implies dialogue and interaction in sensitive areas, such as military interaction."

<h2>Kim's powerful sister among delegates in Russia</h2>

"All other issues concern only our two sovereign countries," he added. "And they should not be a subject of concern to any third state.&nbsp;Our cooperation is carried out for the benefit of the peoples of our two countries, but not against anyone."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-hotel-standoff-when-chinese-g20-delegation-refused-to-get-their-big-bags-scanned-by-security-635479">When Chinese G20 delegation refused to get their big bags scanned by security</a>

Kim's powerful entourage includes Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korea's leader, his number two and commander of the Korean People's Army Ri Pyong Chol, Pak Jong Chon,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jo Chun Ryong, the director of North Korea's Munitions Industry Department.

Putin was accompanied by Russia's defence minister Sergei Shoigu and foreign minister Sergei Lavrov.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia President Vladimir Putin hosted North Korea’s Kim Jong-un at the country’s spaceport in far east Vostochny Cosmodrome on Wednesday (Sept 13) to begin talks on a range of issues like arms deal, space cooperation and humanitarian aid.

Russia President Vladimir Putin hosted North Korea’s Kim Jong-un at the country’s spaceport in far east Vostochny Cosmodrome on Wednesday (Sept 13) to begin talks on a range of issues like arms deal, space cooperation and humanitarian aid. Putin said the location was chosen as Moscow planned to help North Korea with its satellite programmes, RIA Novosti reported. During the more than an hour long meeting, Putin assured that Russia will help North Korea in building satellites, while Kim extended his support to Moscow’s “sacred fight” against the West. Kim also praised Russia for having "stood up against the hegemonic forces" to defend its sovereignty and security, a veiled reference to the US and the West, and said he has expressed "full and unconditional support to all that Russia does in response." 'Will always stand by Russia' "And that in the frontline of anti-imperialism and independence, I will always be standing with Russia, I’m using this opportunity to make it clear," the North Korean leader said. Regarding arms deal, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the dialogue also centred on defence cooperation, but did not provide any further information. Also read | Putin-Kim meet begins as North Korea fires ‘unidentified’ ballistic missiles According to state-run outlet Russia 1, when asked about reports of arms talks between the two, Peskov said, "The full range of relations [between the two countries] implies dialogue and interaction in sensitive areas, such as military interaction." Kim's powerful sister among delegates in Russia "All other issues concern only our two sovereign countries," he added. "And they should not be a subject of concern to any third state. Our cooperation is carried out for the benefit of the peoples of our two countries, but not against anyone." Also read | When Chinese G20 delegation refused to get their big bags scanned by security Kim's powerful entourage includes Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korea's leader, his number two and commander of the Korean People's Army Ri Pyong Chol, Pak Jong Chon, and Jo Chun Ryong, the director of North Korea's Munitions Industry Department. Putin was accompanied by Russia's defence minister Sergei Shoigu and foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Putin assures to build satellites for North Korea, Kim supports ‘sacred battle’ with West

Two notorious world leaders are meeting. Kim Jong Un is meeting Putin. The Kim-Putin Summit is here. The meeting between Kim and Putin is sending signals of impending doom. The meeting comes amid warnings from the US to refrain from signing any arms deal.

What to expect from the Kim-Putin summit in Russia? How is US reacting to Putin & Kim meeting?

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South Korea will consider supplying arms to Ukraine after Russia and North Korea sign strategic pact

Russia’s defence min shows bombers and missiles to Kim during last leg of trip

Putin assures to build satellites for North Korea, Kim supports ‘sacred battle’ with West

What to expect from the Kim-Putin summit in Russia? How is US reacting to Putin & Kim meeting?