Russia is ready if there is a Korean war.

Russia noted that the escalating tension on the Korean peninsula raises the issue of the need for these countries to be ready if the worst - a Korean War - happens.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov - Photo: Sputnik

According toSputnikOn December 2, sharing his views on the tense situation on the Korean peninsula, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that in the event of a Korean War, the first two victims would be South Korea and Japan.

He also condemned the US's provocative actions against North Korea, as well as Washington's efforts to enlist Tokyo and Seoul to support these provocations.

According to the newspaperNewsweek, Mr. Nikolai Patruschev - head of the Russian Security Council - said on December 1 that Russia is prepared if a Korean war breaks out.

Mr. Nikolai Patruschev - Chairman of the Russian Security Council - in a meeting - Photo: Reuters

In an interview with Russia's RIA Novosti, Mr. Patruschev said the Russian government had thought about the war scenario, but he did not specify Russia's role in this conflict and said that "Russia is basically defending itself."

Over the past three months, Russia has held naval, army and air force exercises in the Primorye region, where Russia shares a short border with North Korea.

Just a day after Pyongyang launched the Hwang-15, the Russian military announced it was holding another military exercise in Primorye, this time including beach landing exercises. Nearby Kamchatka will also hold drills later in the year.

Meanwhile, Pyongyang continues to denounce US President Donald Trump with harsh language. According to CNN, on December 2, a spokesman for the North Korean Foreign Ministry criticized Mr. Trump for "destroying world peace" and that Trump was "begging for a nuclear war."

North Korea declares to become a nuclear state - Photo: Reuters

The accusation was made by North Korea before the US and South Korea are scheduled to conduct joint military exercises on December 4 with about 12,000 US troops and 230 aircraft participating.

Tensions between the US and North Korea have continued to escalate in recent weeks, and recently, on November 29, North Korea test-fired the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile, which is said to be the most powerful ever and can put the entire US territory within range. After the missile test, North Korea declared itself a nuclear state.

According to TTO