Prøve GULL - Gratis

Putin does not rule out sending weapons to N. Korea

The Straits Times

|

June 22, 2024

US says it is 'incredibly concerning' as it threatens stability on Korean peninsula

Putin does not rule out sending weapons to N. Korea

Mr Vladimir Putin said on June 20 that he does not rule out Russia sending arms to isolated North Korea in what Washington called an "incredibly concerning" statement that threatens instability on the divided Korean peninsula.

On a trip to Vietnam, following a state visit to Pyongyang where Russia and North Korea signed a mutual defence pact, the Russian President also warned South Korea not to arm Ukraine.

He said prospects of Moscow providing weapons to North Korea are repercussions for the West arming Kyiv, which is fighting a Russian invasion now in its third year.

"Those who send these (missiles to Ukraine) think that they are not fighting us, but I said that we then reserve the right to supply weapons to other regions of the world, with regard to our agreements with the DPRK," he said, using the initiaIs of North Korea's official name. "I do not rule this one out." South Korea on June 20 called Russia's treaty with the North a "grave concern", with a senior official saying Seoul would reconsider its policy of not sending arms directly to Ukraine.

Mr Putin brushed off the response, saying: "South Korea has nothing to worry about." But he warned Seoul not to supply weapons to Kyiv, saying: "This would be a very big mistake." The US expressed deep unease over his threat to send weapons to Pyongyang, warning that it could destabilise the Korean peninsula.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Road safety • Jail term necessary as deterrence against careless driving

I refer to the letter by Mr Allen Te Kek Chin (Jail terms for careless driving can have lasting adverse impact, Feb 10), making the case against jail terms for careless driving.

time to read

1 min

February 19, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Tarique Rahman won big in Bangladesh. Far bigger tests await him

He has to manoeuvre against political rivals at home and work on ties with India and US

time to read

5 mins

February 19, 2026

The Straits Times

Seoul eases curbs on N. Korea’s top daily Rodong Sinmun

Move is part of govt’s broader approach to allow public access to N. Korean materials

time to read

4 mins

February 19, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

$15.lb budget surplus reflects uncertain economy, cyclical windfalls, say economists

MPs call for such windfall surpluses to be funnelled back into society

time to read

5 mins

February 19, 2026

The Straits Times

Hun Manet says Thailand still holding Cambodian territory

He wants Thailand to let a joint commission begin working on their disputed border

time to read

3 mins

February 19, 2026

The Straits Times

Healthcare • Central coordination can reduce Al duplication in public clusters

I welcome the setting up of the new National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Council to drive transformation in key sectors, including healthcare (Budget 2026: PM Wong to chair new National AI Council to drive transformation in key sectors, Feb 12).

time to read

1 min

February 19, 2026

The Straits Times

Maths syllabus needs to evolve to prepare students to be Al-ready

I applaud the announcements in Budget 2026 to spur artificial intelligence (AI) adoption by the workforce (PM Wong unveils $155b Budget with nationwide AI push, more support for firms and families, Feb 12).

time to read

1 mins

February 19, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

As AI takes on legal work, what happens to the prestige of being a lawyer?

Artificial intelligence is transforming the profession, but it won't diminish it.

time to read

5 mins

February 19, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Is Singapore prepared for a 'rent-a-human' world?

As developments in Al pick up pace, we must master the wider implications.

time to read

5 mins

February 19, 2026

The Straits Times

PM Wong congratulates Bangladesh's new PM on election win

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong congratulated his Bangladeshi counterpart Tarique Rahman on his “decisive victory” in the Feb 12 polls.

time to read

1 min

February 19, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size