Apocalyptic Scenario: Russian Diplomat Warns US Against Korean Military Exercises

A Russian diplomat slammed the U.S. for its joint military exercises in the Pacific and warned of an “apocalyptic scenario” on the Korean peninsula, according to Russian state-owned wire service TASS on Monday.

“A scenario of the apocalyptic development of the situation on the Korean Peninsula exists and we cannot turn [a] blind eye to it,” said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov. “I hope that a common sense, pragmatism and an instinct of self-preservation would prevail among our partners to exclude such [a] negative scenario.”

The diplomat spoke at the annual Asian conference of the Valdai Club in Seoul. The discussion club creates a dialogue between Russian and other Asian nations. Tensions surrounding North Korea and their rapidly improving nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities remains high around the world. North Korea has conducted several provocative weapons tests this year including exploding what they claimed to be a hydrogen bomb in September and two long-range ballistic missile tests.

The U.S. conducts joint military exercises in the region with South Korea and Japan. Morgulov criticized the exercises as antagonistic while praising North Korea for not having had any weapons tests for two months.

“Considering the two-month long period of silence, the United States is not planning to reduce the scale of its regular military exercises, but also [planned] holding sudden drills as well,” said Morgulov. “Unfortunately, this is the answer, which North Korea gets in response to its two-month silence … I believe that both the North Korean nuclear tests and joint military drills of the United States with its allies are definitely of a negative nature.”

The diplomat said that Russia’s stance is that North Korea’s nuclear status is unacceptable, but that the U.S. is making the situation more difficult. He called on the U.S. to reduce their military exercises in the region.

Morgulov also criticized President Donald Trump for his threats towards North Korea.

“Is it possible for someone to [hold any] illusions that threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to strike with ‘fire and fury’ will be able to cut the knot, which has been tight on the Korean Peninsula for many decades?” the diplomat said.