Russian president Vladimir Putin said on Monday, May 15th, that Moscow was opposed to any countries acquiring nuclear weapons, but the world should talk to North Korea rather than threaten it.
Putin said that nuclear test performed by Pyongyang were unacceptable, however, he claimed that there is a way to “negotiate” or peacefully find the solution to the problem.
“I want to confirm that we are categorically against the expansion of the club of nuclear powers, including with the Korean Peninsula and North Korea,” said Putin, who said any such move would be “harmful and dangerous.”
“But at the same time, we understand that what we have observed in the world recently, and specifically flagrant violations of international law and incursions into the territory of foreign states, changes in regime, lead to such kinds of arms races,” noted Putin.
Putin did not specify what countries he had in mind, but he has in the past he repeatedly criticized the US for an active warfare and military operations in Iraq, Libya and Syria.
“We need to return to dialogue with North Korea and stop scaring it and find ways to resolve these problems peacefully,” he said.
In addition, Putin hinted on certain countries having no patience, but did not directly specify.
“If you recall, there was a time when North Korea announced it was suspending this kind of (nuclear) program, but unfortunately certain participants in the negotiations process did not have enough patience. I think we need to return to this.” he said.
Mr. Putin has also said that he was briefed by his defense ministry regarding the latest nuclear tests and is aware of all possible threats or actions that might be taken by North Korea. According to Putin, “This missile launch presented no threat to Russia, but it of course escalates this conflict and there is nothing good about that.”
