MOSCOW: Russia has urged South Korea to refrain from provocations in light of recent allegations by North Korea that Seoul deployed unmanned drones over Pyongyang. The request comes amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea accusing South Korea of sending drones carrying anti-North propaganda on multiple occasions last week.
According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea asserted that South Korea had flown unmanned drones over Pyongyang on October 3, and again last Wednesday and Thursday, distributing anti-North propaganda leaflets. South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun responded to these allegations, stating he could not confirm the claims made by the North.
Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for Russia’s foreign ministry, emphasized the need for South Korea to take the allegations seriously and avoid further escalation. “The South Korean authorities should take Pyongyang’s warnings very seriously and cease further escalation on the peninsula through their reckless and provocativ
e campaign, which exacerbates tension and could lead to actual armed confrontations,” Zakharova stated.
She also highlighted that such actions could be seen as a violation of North Korea’s sovereignty and an interference in its internal affairs. Zakharova expressed concerns over South Korea’s approach towards unification, suggesting that the promotion of pseudo-liberal values and certain freedoms by Seoul poses a security risk.
The backdrop to these developments includes a move by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has recently submitted a draft for the ratification of a treaty between North Korea and Russia, indicating a strengthening of ties between the two nations.
Amid these allegations, Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, accused South Korea of conducting drone infiltrations into Pyongyang, although no evidence was provided to support these claims. In a stark warning, she stated that North Korea would respond harshly to any further provocations.
In turn, South K
orea’s defense ministry has warned North Korea that any aggressive actions could lead to the end of its regime. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff maintained that they could not confirm the veracity of North Korea’s drone claims.