South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has issued a stern warning, stating that both Seoul and Washington would respond aggressively if North Korea were to use nuclear weapons. In an interview with AP, Yoon stated that the US and South Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to respond swiftly and decisively to any nuclear attack from North Korea. He further added that if the neighboring country were to deploy nuclear weapons, it would inevitably lead to the downfall of the regime in Pyongyang.
This warning comes against the backdrop of North Korea’s continued testing of ballistic missiles this year. North Korea has repeatedly stated that it would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons in self-defense. Earlier this year, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un emphasized that Pyongyang’s nuclear strategic forces would be fully prepared to carry out their mission if Seoul and Washington persisted in showing open hostility by conducting large-scale military drills around the Korean Peninsula.
President Yoon’s interview coincided with the final day of Kim’s visit to Russia, a trip that raised concerns in South Korea and the wider international community. During his visit, Kim held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu. He also inspected military facilities, including the Vostochny Cosmodrome and aviation plants, where he was shown various military hardware, including nuclear-capable strategic bombers.
In their discussions, Kim and Shoigu explored ways to further strengthen cooperation and exchange between their respective armed forces in defense and state security, according to North Korean outlet Voice of Korea.
President Yoon criticized this military cooperation, asserting that it violated UN Security Council resolutions and international sanctions. He vowed to raise this issue at the upcoming UN General Assembly to galvanize greater unity among the international community in response to such actions.
Meanwhile, Russian President Putin stated that Russia seeks to build good neighborly relations with North Korea and would not violate any international sanctions. His comments were in response to allegations that Moscow’s cooperation with Pyongyang violates UN sanctions imposed on North Korea.
The tense situation in the region underscores the global concern surrounding North Korea’s nuclear capabilities and the potential threat it poses. The US and South Korea’s unwavering commitment to provide a strong response to any nuclear attack sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.
The international community, including the UN, continues to play a vital role in addressing the North Korean nuclear issue and maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. President Yoon’s intention to raise the issue at the UN General Assembly demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in curbing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and ensuring the security of nations in the region.
As tensions simmer, the spotlight remains on North Korea’s actions and the responses they elicit. The world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis and regional stability in Northeast Asia.
Source link
