Politics

South Korean intelligence has suggested that Russia might come to North Korea's rescue if a conflict erupts between the two hostile neighboring nations.

Following reports from Washington last week that 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia to join the Ukrainian front, a South Korean lawmaker told The Korea Herald that Moscow might reciprocate by supporting Pyongyang.

Wi Sung-lac, a former South Korean ambassador to Russia, said that North Korea is currently receiving financial aid as it grapples with food shortages.

"North Korea is on record as having fought for Russia. If there ever is a war on the Korean Peninsula, North Korea can now expect Russia to come and help," the politician told the media.

As part of the agreement between the two countries, North Korea has also reportedly requested assistance for its nuclear development program, with Kim Jong Un having made clear his desire to expand his nuclear arsenal.

According to Wi Sung-lac, citing South Korean intelligence, Moscow is expected to provide 200 million dollars this year in exchange for North Korea’s military support and will also ship 700,000 tons of rice to its Asian ally.

Last summer, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un strengthened their countries' cooperation by signing a mutual defense agreement.

(QG - Source : Korea Herald / Moscow Times / Picture: © Pixabay)