South Korean soldiers fired warning shots on Thursday after North Korean troops crossed the border into South Korea for the third time this month. The incursion occurred a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a visit to North Korea, where he signed a defense pact with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
The incident unfolded in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates the two Koreas, with South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reporting that North Korean soldiers retreated after the warning shots. Previous incidents occurred on June 9 and June 18, each involving about 20-30 North Korean soldiers crossing into South Korean territory.
In response to the new defense agreement between Russia and North Korea, which pledges mutual military assistance in case of an attack, South Korea summoned the Russian ambassador to convey its protest. This development also prompted discussions between South Korean and U.S. officials, who expressed concerns about the potential destabilizing effects on the Korean peninsula.
The incident and the treaty have led South Korea to reconsider supplying arms to Ukraine. In response, Putin warned South Korea that arming Ukraine would be a "big mistake," hinting at potential repercussions.
Additionally, tensions have escalated along the North-South Korean border, with both sides engaging in propaganda activities. North Korea has reportedly begun fortifying sections of the border with new barriers, further straining relations.
The unfolding events mark a significant increase in regional tensions, influenced by new diplomatic and military alignments in the context of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and historical rivalries on the Korean peninsula.