“Let the West think about where it will end up later,” says Putin

In response to Ukraine's supplies, Russia does not rule out supplies from other countries, stated Russian President Vladimir Putin during a conversation with representatives of Russian media in Hanoi. “Let the West think about where it will end up later,” he added.

He also emphasized that although the agreement with North Korea implies mutual assistance in the event of military aggression, there is no need to use soldiers from North Korea in the Ukrainian conflict.

“Regarding the possibility of exploiting each other's opportunities in this conflict; we do not ask anyone about this, no one has offered it to us, so there is no need,” emphasized Putin.

At the same time, he did not rule out the possibility of military supplies from North Korea. “We have delivered something to someone and do not control anything. Let them think. Those who supply this weapon believe they are not at war with us. I said, including in Pyongyang, that we reserve the right to supply weapons to other regions of the world. Given our agreements with North Korea, I do not exclude this,” emphasized President Putin.

According to him, the West supplies weapons to Ukraine and says, “we no longer control anything here, and it does not matter how it is used.” Accordingly, Russia can make similar statements.

The Russian president also warned Seoul about supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine. “The supply of lethal weapons by Seoul to the conflict zone in Ukraine would be a mistake,” Putin emphasized.

At the same time, he noted that the Republic of Korea should not worry about the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Russia and North Korea. There is nothing new in Russia's treaty with North Korea, and assistance will only be provided in the case of aggression against North Korea.

“I want to draw attention to the fact that this agreement is not new. We signed it because the old agreement ceased to be valid. The previous agreement, which I believe was signed in 1962, was almost the same. There is nothing new here,” Putin explained.

During his visit to Vietnam, the Russian president held meetings with Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, President Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.