Russian policy in Korea in a time of change

Abstract

Abstract The Korean peninsula's importance for Russia has grown in recent years, while its Asian policy also became more active in line with the resurgence of Russia's international profile. As its relations with both North and South Korea improved, Russia's participation in the Six-Party Talks became the most significant development. Russia wants the nuclear problem of the Korean peninsula to be solved diplomatically, on a multilateral basis, taking into consideration the interests of all the parties. The future of the diplomatic process depends largely on overcoming mistrust and normalizing the relations of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) with the West. Pressure and power politics will not work, let alone implementing a military solution or attempts at a “soft landing.” The five parties and international bodies (including the UN) must guarantee North Korean security and help with development. For that, a “strategic decision” on coexistence with the DPRK should be taken in Washington, to...