New Russian Ambassador to Korea: "Korea Did Not Intentionally Become an Unfriendly Country... Hopes for Positive Change"

Ambassador Zinoviev Interview with Russian Media
North Korea-Russia Illegal Arms Trade Not True
Korean Companies Ready to Welcome Return to Russia

Georgy Zinoviev, the newly appointed Russian ambassador to South Korea, referred to South Korea, which is cooperating with sanctions against Russia, as "one of the most friendly countries among the unfriendly nations" on the 18th (local time).

In an interview reported by the Russian daily Kommersant on the 18th (local time), Ambassador Zinoviev said, "I feel that South Korea did not voluntarily become an unfriendly country," adding, "During the more than 30 years of diplomatic relations, there have been no political issues or conflicts between the two countries."

He noted that South Korea, as a U.S. ally, participated in minimal sanctions against Russia in February to March last year, and since then, the bilateral relationship has gradually cooled. He added, "I hope for positive changes in the new year and will do my best to make that happen."

Ambassador Zinoviev especially emphasized that South Korea's restraint in supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine is very important to Russia, warning, "If (lethal weapon support) begins, it will cause irreparable damage to bilateral relations in the long term."

Regarding the claim within Russia that the U.S. is deliberately spreading speculation that Russia transferred sensitive technology to North Korea to enable South Korea to send lethal weapons to Ukraine, he said, "It seems quite plausible," and expressed hope that "South Korea's policy of restraining lethal weapon support for Ukraine will remain unchanged."

Georgy Zinoviev, Russian Ambassador to Korea / Photo by Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Capture

On the other hand, concerning the allegation that North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia in September and his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin involved illegal arms transactions between the two countries, he denied it, saying, "There is no basis. It is a story fabricated with the 'high probability' phrase often used by the West," and stated that Russia is fulfilling its obligations under the UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea (arms embargo sanctions).

Ambassador Zinoviev also warned, "Based on my diplomatic experience, most neighboring countries in the Far East are pragmatic realists," and said, "It would be wise to plan what to do after the end of the Ukraine 'special military operation' and to avoid damaging relations with Russia."

Ambassador Zinoviev previously served as Deputy Director of the First Asian Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responsible for South Korea, North Korea, China, and Mongolia; Counselor at the Russian Embassy in China; and Director of the First Asian Department.

Regarding the fact that Chinese competitors have taken over the market due to South Korean automobile and home appliance companies suspending operations at their local factories in Russia, he pointed out, "Decades of efforts by Korean companies have been sacrificed to the opportunistic interests of the West." He said he understands that efforts are being made to find ways for Korean companies to secure opportunities to return to the Russian market and stated, "We are ready to welcome their return."

For example, Hyundai Motor held an extraordinary board meeting on the same day and approved the sale of its stake in the Russian plant (HMMR) in Saint Petersburg, Russia, announcing that it included a 'buyback' condition allowing the plant to be revived within two years after the sale.

He also welcomed the resumption of passenger ferry services between Sokcho and Vladivostok last month after 10 years but expressed difficulty in understanding why direct flights remain blocked, saying, "Addressing this issue is also a task I must solve after assuming my new post."

Regarding the recent growing interest in Korean culture and the Korean language in Russia, he said, "The cultural and humanities fields, along with academic and youth exchanges, are the areas least affected by sanctions," and evaluated that they "contribute to the development of cooperation in various fields."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.