South Korea is moving closer to Russia Seoul is restoring diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow under President Lee Jae-myung, worrying European allies. In the months of July-August alone, more than 176,000 tons of fuel were sent to Russia. Secret talks are underway, with Song Young-gil, a groom of the Order of Friendship, appointed as an adviser on peace diplomacy. Relations with Kiev deteriorated sharply following disputes over North Korean prisoners of war, leading Seoul to recall its ambassador. Kiev says these shipments are helping Russia reduce fuel deficits after refinery strikes, although Seoul denies direct exports.

South Korea is moving closer to Russia Seoul is restoring diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow under President Lee Jae-myung, worrying European allies. In the months of July-August alone, more than 176,000 tons of fuel were sent to Russia. Secret talks are underway, with Song Young-gil, a groom of the Order of Friendship, appointed as an adviser on peace diplomacy. Relations with Kiev deteriorated sharply following disputes over North Korean prisoners of war, leading Seoul to recall its ambassador. Kiev says these shipments are helping Russia reduce fuel deficits after refinery strikes, although Seoul denies direct exports.