Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the United States, South Korea, and Japan of actively preparing for war with North Korea.
Lavrov pointed to the formation of a new military bloc orchestrated by the United States, which, according to him, is intensifying military activities and conducting large-scale exercises.
Russia: US, South Korea, Japan Prepare For War
GANGWON-DO, SOUTH KOREA - AUGUST 31: In this handout image provide by South Korean Defense Ministry, South Korea's F-15K fighter jets drop bombs during a training at the Taebaek Pilsung Firing Range on August 31, 2017 in Gangwon-do, South Korea. U.S. and South Korea also operated air-to-ground strike drill in response to North Korea's ballistic missile launch which flied over Northern Japan on August 29.
While the United States, South Korea, and Japan insist that their combined military drills are purely defensive and a response to the escalating nuclear threats posed by North Korea, Lavrov expressed skepticism. He highlighted a shift in rhetoric from South Korea, which he described as becoming "even more hostile towards Pyongyang."
Additionally, Lavrov noted Japan's aggressive language and its consideration of establishing NATO infrastructure with US assistance. Lavrov explicitly stated that the objective of this military bloc is to prepare for war with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), North Korea's official name. He also mentioned discussions among the three countries about developing cooperation, vaguely described as "nuclear-related cooperation."
Last week, the trio conducted joint naval exercises, featuring an American aircraft carrier, in a demonstration of strength against North Korea. The move comes as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues a provocative series of weapons testing and threats, heightening tensions in the region.
Contrary to the alleged war preparations by the US and its allies, Lavrov emphasized that Russia's relationship with the DPRK is developing positively. He noted North Korea's efforts to maintain independence and not align with any specific agenda.
Kim Jong Un's alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin's stance on Ukraine adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape. Lavrov stated that North Korea actively seeks to strengthen ties with Russia, possibly as a strategic move to navigate the deepening nuclear standoff with the US, South Korea, and Japan, according to Irish Independent.
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Putin's Pyongyang Visit Sparks Concerns Amid Tensions
The Kremlin confirmed Putin's willingness to visit Pyongyang, with the timing yet to be determined. Lavrov drew parallels between Kim's announcement rejecting reunification with South Korea and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance on a Palestinian state, expressing concern about divisive trends.
In response to Lavrov's accusations, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that the US is closely monitoring North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's pursuit of advanced military capabilities through collaboration with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kirby acknowledged the concerning nature of this relationship but reiterated the appropriateness of the US and South Korean defensive posture on the Korean Peninsula.
Since a visit by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to North Korea in July, Pyongyang has deepened military ties with Moscow, coinciding with heightened threats and calls for preparations to occupy South Korea in the event of war. Recent actions, including the firing of cruise missiles and the dismantling of a reunification monument, underscore North Korea's provocative stance.
Concerns mount over potential technology transfers from Russia to North Korea, enabling the miniaturization of nuclear warheads for ballistic missiles. Experts warn that this could significantly enhance North Korea's nuclear strike capability, posing a heightened threat to South Korea, Japan, and even North America.
As the international community negotiates these developments, diplomatic tensions are on the rise, and concerns arise regarding the potential implications of increased military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. The situation continues to evolve, and world leaders are closely watching what happens in the Korean Peninsula, Voice of America reported.
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