Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on the 27th (local time) that South Korea-Russia relations would collapse if South Korea provided arms to Ukraine.
According to TAS and Reuters, President Putin made this statement while discussing the situation in Ukraine and the international situation at a meeting of the Baldai Club, an international gathering of Russian experts held in Moscow on the same day.
Sputnik news agency reported that Putin said he was "aware of South Korea's decision to provide arms and ammunition to Ukraine".
The South Korean government has provided military supplies such as bulletproof helmets, tents, and blankets, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, except for weapons, but has made it clear that it cannot provide lethal weapons.
It is very unusual for President Putin to point out South Korea and directly warn against Ukraine aid.
He mentioned South Korea after criticizing North Korea for nearly reaching an agreement with the United States on its nuclear program, but the United States changed its stance and imposed sanctions.
President Putin emphasized cooperation with Asian countries such as China, India and North Korea, and also advocated for the reorganization of the world order.
Regarding China, he said, "The bilateral relations are unprecedentedly open and efficient," calling President Xi Jinping a "close friend."
He also reaffirmed his position that Taiwan is a part of China and criticized, "Why does an American 'grandmother' visit Taiwan and provoke China. It is wrong for the United States to ruin relations with China."
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who visited Taiwan in August and provoked protests from China, was referred to as 'grandmother'.