Moscow warns US, allies against threatening Russia, DPRK
In a pointed message following high-level talks in Wonsan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov cautioned the United States, South Korea, and Japan against transforming their trilateral cooperation into a strategic alliance aimed at confronting Russia or North Korea.
“We warn against exploiting these ties to build alliances directed against anyone, including North Korea and, of course, Russia,” Lavrov stated during a joint press conference with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui.
Lavrov underscored that Pyongyang had “drawn the necessary conclusions long before the Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran” and emphasized that despite the heightened U.S.-led military presence around the Korean Peninsula, “no one is considering the use of force against North Korea.”
The warning comes amid heightened tensions in the region following recent escalations in the Middle East. On June 13, Israeli forces launched a 12-day military campaign against Iran, targeting military, nuclear, and residential infrastructure. The situation escalated further when the U.S. conducted strikes on June 22 against three nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
In response, Iranian forces retaliated forcefully. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force launched 22 waves of missile attacks on Israeli cities under Operation True Promise III, resulting in significant reported damage.
Additionally, in response to the U.S. role in the escalation, Iran launched a missile barrage at al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military installation in West Asia.
After days of intensifying violence, a ceasefire was implemented on June 24, temporarily halting the conflict. However, Moscow’s remarks reflect growing alarm that regional security alliances may evolve into new geopolitical fault lines, particularly involving nuclear-capable states.
