World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
South Korea rejects Russia's criticism of joint drills with the US
South Korea rejected Russia's criticism of its military exercises with the US on Thursday.
Russia had accused the allies of rehearsing pre-emptive strikes against North Korea, including nuclear attacks.
Seoul said the drills are defensive and respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
The two allies hold exercises throughout the year, including large drills and field training, to maintain their joint defence.
South Korea said the exercises support peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.
The dispute comes as North Korea and Russia deepen military ties under a 2024 partnership treaty that includes a mutual defence clause.
South Korea rejected Russia’s criticism of its joint military exercises with the United States.
Seoul said the drills are defensive and respond to North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile threats.
South Korea said the exercises help maintain a strong combined defense posture and promote peace and stability in the region.
Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson said the drills rehearse preemptive strikes against North Korea, including with nuclear weapons.
- Who
- South Korea rejected criticism from Russia’s foreign ministry.
- What
- Seoul defended its joint military exercises with the United States as defensive.
- When
- Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026.
- Where
- On the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.
- Why
- Seoul said the drills respond to North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile threats and promote peace and stability.
South Korea
Russia
Purpose of the exercises
South Korea
The drills are defensive and respond to North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile threats.
Russia
The drills are designed to rehearse preemptive strikes against North Korea, including with nuclear weapons.
Security rights
South Korea
The exercises maintain a robust combined defense posture.
Russia
Seoul should respect Pyongyang’s sovereign right to ensure its own security.
A spokesperson at Russia’s foreign ministry criticized the South Korea-U.S. exercises and urged Seoul to respect Pyongyang’s right to ensure its security.
South Korea’s foreign ministry rejected Russia’s criticism and defended the exercises as defensive.
- South Korea’s response
- Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026
- Russia’s criticism
- The exercises rehearse preemptive strikes against North Korea, including with nuclear weapons
- South Korea’s stated rationale
- Respond to North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile threats
- Exercises
- Conducted annually
- Regional effect cited by Seoul
- Peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia
What people are saying
The joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises are defensive in nature and are conducted annually to maintain a robust combined defense posture in response to North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats
They contribute to peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in Northeast Asia
to rehearse preemptive strikes
to respect Pyongyang's sovereign right