The Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman Maria Zakharova takes part in the Big City Forum at the Mosfilm Cinema and Concert Call in Moscow, March 5. TASS-Yonhap
South Korea took a swipe at Russia on Friday after Moscow expressed support for North Korea’s efforts to expand its military capabilities, urging Russia to persuade Pyongyang to return to diplomacy if it truly seeks peace in the region.
Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, said Thursday (local time) that the North’s measures aimed at enhancing its defense capabilities and countering external security threats are “fully justified,” according to Russia’s TASS news agency.
Her remarks came as the South Korean and U.S. militaries are set to kick off the annual Freedom Shield drill next week. Zakharova blamed the allies for increasing regional tension with the exercise.
“What undermines regional peace and stability is North Korea’s illegal nuclear and missile development and provocations in violation of U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolutions,” a foreign ministry official in Seoul said.
“If Russia, as a permanent member of the UNSC, wants to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, it should dissuade the North from escalating tensions and urge it to return to dialogue,” the official said.
The official stressed that the allies’ joint military exercises are “defensive measures aimed at protecting the lives and safety of our people” in response to the North’s evolving nuclear and missile threats.
The allies will begin the annual Freedom Shield exercise Monday for an 11-day run, involving computer-simulated drills and on-field training.
Earlier in the day, North Korea’s state media issued a commentary warning that Seoul and Washington will pay a “horrible” price for the joint military exercise and that it will bring a “storm” that deteriorates the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. (Yonhap)