Russia helped North Korea launch spy satellite, Seoul says

For South Korea, there is no doubt: it was Russia’s support that probably allowed North Korea to put its first spy satellite into orbit.

This launch, in violation of UN resolutions, further strains relations between the two Koreas; Seoul has also partially suspended a military agreement with its northern neighbor.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had promised to support Pyongyang’s satellite program. Washington, Seoul and Tokyo believe this is in exchange for North Korean military aid against Ukraine.