South Korea condemned on Thursday the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Russia and North Korea, which would compel the two countries to provide military and other assistance if either party faces invasion from a third country. ROK National Security Director Chang Ho-jin notably stated that South Korea will review its stance on providing military support to Ukraine. Additionally, he said that Seoul has designated independent sanctions for four ships, five entities and eight individuals from Russia, North Korea and third countries involved in weapons and oil transfers between Russia and North Korea.

Chang stated that Seoul plans to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance’s extended deterrence and the U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral security cooperation to counter North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Additionally, South Korea will designate 243 additional items to the existing 1,159 under export controls to Russia, totaling 1,402 items subject to sanctions.