The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman announced that Moscow reserves the right to respond to South Korea for sanctions imposed on Russia. This position was conveyed to the public through RIA News, highlighting that Moscow views Seoul’s measures as a hostile act carried out under the influence of Washington. The statement underscores that Russia does not regard these sanctions as a constructive step toward normalizing relations with Seoul and asserts that retaliation could be taken, possibly beyond symmetrical responses.
Officials emphasized that Seoul’s sanctions represent a deliberate move to pressure Russia, a stance that the Russian side says undermines any stated wish to maintain constructive ties with Moscow. The assertion that retaliation could take non comparable forms reflects a willingness to explore a range of options if current pressures persist. The stress was on the principle that retaliation is not limited to equal measures, signaling a broader spectrum of potential responses depending on evolving developments.
Earlier, South Korea unveiled a prohibition on exporting passenger cars with engine capacities exceeding two liters to Russia. This import restriction affects popular Korean models, including the Hyundai Santa Fe and Palisade, as well as stronger variants of Kia Sportage and Sorento, vehicles that constitute a sizable share of parallel imports into the Russian market. The preliminary data indicate that the measure will enter into force around mid-January, with implications for trade relations and supply chains between the two countries.
In related regional developments, Taiwan announced restrictions affecting Russia and Belarus as part of its own policy actions. These steps reflect a broader pattern of international responses to the evolving political and economic situation affecting the region.