Russia warns US, South Korea and Japan on North Korea Security Alliance

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russia, Sergey Lavrovwarned this Saturday (12) the United Statesa South Korea and the Japan against the formation of a security partnership that targets the North Koreaduring a visit to the ally. “We warned against the exploitation of these ties to build alliances directed against any country, including North Korea and, of course, Russia,” Lavrov told reporters, according to Russian state agency Tass.

Lavrov stated that Russia understands North Korea’s decision to seek nuclear weapons. “The technologies used by North Korea are the result of the work of their own scientists. We respect the aspirations of North Korea and understand the reasons why it pursues nuclear development,” he said.

Relations between Russia and North Korea have been strengthening in recent years, with North Korea providing troops and ammunition to support the Russians in exchange for military and economic aid. This has generated concerns to other countries, which fear Russia can also transfer to North Koreans sensitive technologies to nuclear and missile programs in the country.

US, South Korea and Japan have expanded or resumed their military exercises in response to the advance of the North Korean nuclear program. On Friday (11), the three countries performed a joint air exercise involving US bombers with nuclear capacity near the Korean peninsula. For North Korea, US -led exercises are rehearsals for an invasion. For a long time, the country argues that it is forced to develop nuclear weapons to defend itself from US military threats.