South Korea Imposes Sanctions on Russian Vessels and Individuals: Russia Responds as 'Unfriendly'

South Korea imposed sanctions on two Russian vessels and several Russian individuals and organizations for transporting military cargo to North Korea.

Russia views this decision as "unfriendly" and will respond in due course, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Russia strongly condemns South Korea's imposition of sanctions against Russia over their dispute regarding North Korea.

Russia views these sanctions as illegitimate and believes their relationship will be negatively affected.

Russia maintains that its ties with North Korea are friendly and in accordance with international law, and that they do not harm South Korea's security.

Ties between Russia and North Korea have strengthened following a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Russia's far east last year.

Last week, Russia vetoed the renewal of a UN panel monitoring North Korea's sanctions over accusations that North Korea had transferred weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine.

Moscow and Pyongyang have denied accusations against deepening military relations, despite U.N. Security Council resolutions on North Korea.

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, reiterated Moscow's commitment to the resolutions but criticized the effectiveness of sanctions on North Korea, stating they lead to a financial and economic blockade with negative consequences for the population.

Zakharova accused the United States of trying to create instability on the Korean peninsula and criticized South Korea for lacking immunity to external U.S. influence.