Russia: US maneuvers aggravate situation in Korean peninsula

Moscow, Aug 24 (Prensa Latina) The spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, warned that Russia is closely monitoring the situation on the Korean peninsula, aggravated after the resumption of military exercises between the United States and South Korea.

The South Korean Ministry of Defense launched a combined military maneuver with the United States, to take place between August 22nd and September 1st, in what can be considered a new attempt to intimidate North Korea.

The new maneuvers add up to those conducted last July when the Republic of Korea and the United States carried out drills involving F-35A fighters for “recon” missions and stealth strikes.

According to analysts, the new maneuvers confirm concerns about the escalation of tensions on the peninsula and the possible outcome of a conflict of incalculable proportions fueled by Washington with the support of Seoul.

Zakharova said in this regard that Moscow considers “counterproductive and dangerous” said exercises, which cause concern in Pyongyang, and stated that the Russian Federation, as a neighboring state, is interested in maintaining and strengthening peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.

She also advocated for developing dialogue and normalizing relations between the two Koreas without the interference of foreign forces, as well as solving the subregion’s problems through peaceful and diplomatic means.

Zakharova argued that Russia urges to establish political exchanges on the basis of Russian-Chinese initiatives in recent years. She also assured that the application of the proposals of Moscow and Beijing will allow for building peace and security in the region guaranteeing respect for the legitimate interests of all the States involved.