AI Image
South Korea pledges legal action over alleged fuel exports to Russia
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it will pursue legal action if allegations of illegal fuel shipments to Russia, made by a Ukrainian presidential adviser, are confirmed, though it has not verified these claims yet.
- The ministry clarified that exports of diesel and jet fuel for commercial purposes are not restricted under South Korea’s export controls to Russia.
- South Korea dismissed claims that 176,000 tonnes of fuel were shipped to Russia via sanctioned tankers, emphasizing its consistent implementation of sanctions against Russia since the invasion of Ukraine.
- Tensions between South Korea and Ukraine have escalated following Seoul’s demand for an apology over Kyiv’s alleged disclosure of North Korean prisoners of war, which Ukraine denies violating any agreement.
- North Korea and Russia maintain close ties, including a 2024 mutual defense treaty, with estimates suggesting 14,000 to 15,000 North Korean soldiers support Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
