Russia Dismisses Reports of Nuclear Talks with South Korea as 'Misinformation'

Moscow Rejects Claims of Consultations

On Sunday, December 22, 2025, Russia's Foreign Ministry unequivocally denied reports from South Korean media outlets suggesting that official talks had occurred between Moscow and Seoul concerning North Korea's nuclear program. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, dismissed these claims as 'misinformation' aimed at disrupting the strategic partnership between Russia and Pyongyang.

Zakharova stated, 'This misinformation has no grounds whatsoever. Russia is not holding any sort of consultations with South Korea.' She further clarified that Russia is 'not discussing topics related to the bilateral relation between Pyongyang and Seoul, let alone 'the DPRK's nuclear problem' because no such problem exists for Russia.' The spokesperson also emphasized that 'the so-called de-nuclearisation has lost any sense in the new geopolitical realities,' and that 'The Russian side rules out mediation between Pyongyang and Seoul.'

South Korean Media Reports and Alleged Meeting Details

The denial followed reports by South Korean media, including Yonhap News Agency, citing diplomatic sources who claimed that closed-door talks had taken place in Moscow. According to these reports, a South Korean Foreign Ministry official specializing in North Korean nuclear issues met with Oleg Burmistrov, Russia's special envoy for North Korean nuclear affairs, and other relevant officials.

The alleged purpose of these discussions, from Seoul's perspective, was to urge Russia to play a 'constructive role' in fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea reportedly sought to reopen dialogue with North Korea and expressed concerns regarding the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which Seoul views as a potential security threat and a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Context of Deteriorating Relations and Deepening Alliances

The reported meeting would have marked the first gathering of North Korean nuclear officials from Seoul and Moscow since October 2024. Relations between the two countries deteriorated significantly after reports emerged of North Korea deploying its troops to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine.

Russia's stance on North Korea's nuclear program has evolved, with Moscow now viewing the concept of denuclearization as irrelevant. This shift aligns with Russia's deepening ties with North Korea, which include a mutual defense agreement signed in June, and reflects a broader geopolitical alignment challenging Western influence.

Conclusion

Despite South Korean media reports of a recent meeting, Russia's Foreign Ministry has firmly rejected any notion of official talks with South Korea on North Korea's nuclear program, labeling such claims as deliberate misinformation. This denial underscores the complex and often contradictory diplomatic landscape surrounding the Korean Peninsula and highlights Russia's strengthened alliance with North Korea amidst ongoing global tensions.