STORY: South Korea's president is set to discuss with NATO leaders the "distinct threat" North Korea's deepening military ties with Russia pose to Europe, with the transatlantic security alliance meeting in Washington starting Tuesday.
In a written response to questions from Reuters ahead of his visit to Washington, Yoon Suk Yeol said:
"North Korea is clearly a menace to the international society."
Adding that he hopes "Russia will sensibly decide which side - the South or the North - is more important and necessary for its own interests."
His remarks come as North Korean state media released footage on Monday of what it said was an elite military training delegation preparing to fly to Russia.
Reuters could not independently verify the video.
KCNA said it was the first such exchange between the two countries since their leaders signed a pact in June pledging closer military cooperation.
Seoul protested the treaty at the time, as its relations with Moscow soured while Pyongyang grew closer.
In his comments to Reuters, Yoon said:
"Military co-operation between Russia and North Korea poses a distinct threat and grave challenge to the peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in Europe."
He added that Seoul would make a decision on weapons support for Ukraine based on how Moscow and Pyongyang's new military pact plays out.
In response to Yoon's comments, Russia said it "fully disagreed".
A Kremlin spokesman said in a post on social media, Moscow supports building good relations with its neighbors, but South Korea has imposed sanctions on Russia while the North is a partner.
Yoon has pushed for greater security ties with Europe and other U.S. allies to deter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
He has also looked to boost the South's role in global security, on issues such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the U.S.-China rivalry.
South Korea is among four Asia-Pacific partners that will join talks at the NATO summit midweek, as the military alliance also celebrates its 75th anniversary.
