S. Korea rejects Russia's criticism of joint military exercises with U.S.

What happened: South Korea's foreign ministry rejected Russia's criticism of its joint military exercises with the United States, saying the drills are defensive and held annually. Key numbers: Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson made the criticism on Tuesday; Seoul responded on Why it matters: Seoul says the drills maintain a combined defense posture against North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats and contribute to stability in Northeast Asia. The exchange comes as North Korea and Russia deepen military ties under their 2024 treaty, which includes a mutual defense clause.

South Korea's foreign ministry rejected Russia's criticism of its joint military exercises with the United States, saying the drills are defensive and held annually.

Seoul says the drills maintain a combined defense posture against North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats and contribute to stability in Northeast Asia. The exchange comes as North Korea and Russia deepen military ties under their 2024 treaty, which includes a mutual defense clause.