Russia Arrests South Korean Citizen on Espionage Charges

The Russian news agency TASS reported today that a South Korean citizen has been arrested in Russia on suspicion of engaging in espionage activities. TASS quoted law enforcement authorities stating that Park Won-soon was detained in Vladivostok in the far east of the country before being transferred to Moscow for "investigations." It added that this is the first case of its kind against a South Korean citizen. No details regarding the charges against Park Won-soon have been provided. Reuters contacted a South Korean foreign ministry official, but he did not provide an immediate comment. Russia considers South Korea a "non-friendly" country due to Seoul's support for Western sanctions against Moscow following the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia has strengthened its ties with North Korea, which the United States claims is supplying Moscow with munitions for use in the war. Both North Korea and Russia deny this, despite pledging to enhance military cooperation.