Top Russian minister issues chilling warning to US during visit to North Korea

Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has warned the U.S., South Korea and Japan against forming a security partnership targeting North Korea.

Lavrov made the comments on Saturday during a three-day visit to North Korea. He was in eastern Wonsan city on Friday for a meeting with his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui.

“We warn against exploiting these ties to build alliances directed against anyone, including North Korea and, of course, Russia,” he told reporters, according to Russia’s state Tass news agency.

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The U.S., South Korea and Japan have been expanding or restoring their trilateral military exercises in response to North Korea’s advancing nuclear program. North Korea has argued that it has been forced to develop nuclear weapons to defend itself from U.S. military threats.

Lavrov made it clear that Russia understands North Korea’s decision to seek nuclear weapons.

“The technologies used by North Korea are the result of the work of its own scientists. We respect North Korea’s aspirations and understand the reasons why it is pursuing a nuclear development," he said.

Lavrov's visit to Russia’s ally involved talks on further solidifying their booming military and other cooperation. North Korea and Russia have developed a close relationship in recent years, with North Korea supplying troops and ammunition to support Russia’s war against Ukraine. In return, Russia has offered military and economic assistance.

The allyship has raised concerns among South Korea, the U.S. and others, that Russia might also offer North Korea sensitive technologies pertaining to its nuclear and missile programs.

During his meeting with Choe Son Hui, Lavrov accused the U.S., South Korean, and Japan of military buildups around North Korea.

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Lavrov also offered his gratitude for the contribution of North Korea troops, which have helped Russia repel a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region.