Moscow, January 16, 2026 – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday voiced optimism about reviving bilateral relations with South Korea, acknowledging that much of the accumulated "positive capital" in Moscow-Seoul ties has been "squandered" in recent years. The remarks came during a formal ceremony in the Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, where Putin received letters of credence from 32 newly appointed foreign ambassadors, including South Korea's envoy Lee Sok-bae (also reported as Lee Seok-pae or Lee Sok-bae).
The event, held on January 15, 2026, marked Putin's first major public address of the new year and served as a platform for outlining Russia's foreign policy priorities amid a deteriorating global landscape. According to reports from the Kremlin's official website, TASS, Yonhap News Agency, The Korea Times, and Anadolu Agency, Putin highlighted the pragmatic past of Russia-South Korea cooperation, noting that the two countries had achieved "truly positive results in trade and business" when adhering to mutual interests. "Previously, we adhered to pragmatic approaches, and our countries achieved truly positive results in trade and business. We hope to restore relations with the Republic [of Korea]," he stated.
The South Korean ambassador's presence was particularly notable, as Lee Sok-bae previously served in Moscow from 2019 to 2022. South Korean media interpreted his reappointment as a signal from Seoul that it views him as capable of navigating the strained relations, which have deteriorated significantly due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict and Russia's deepening military and political ties with North Korea (DPRK). Bilateral trade and economic links, once robust in areas like energy, technology, and investment, have been hampered by Western sanctions on Russia following its 2022 military operation in Ukraine, as well as Seoul's alignment with U.S.-led efforts to isolate Moscow.
Putin extended the olive branch more broadly, emphasizing Russia's openness to mutually beneficial cooperation "with all countries without exception," including European states. He noted that historical roots in relations with Europe run deep, though the current state "leaves much to be desired." He expressed interest in ensuring the new ambassadors' work is "as effective as possible," pledging support from Russian authorities, businesses, and civil society for constructive initiatives.
The ceremony also provided Putin an opportunity to reaffirm solidarity with specific partners. On Cuba, he stated, "We stand in solidarity with their determination to defend their sovereignty and independence with all their might," highlighting longstanding ties tested by time and mutual sympathies between the peoples. Regarding Afghanistan, Putin reiterated Russia's interest in seeing the country become "a united, independent and peaceful state, free from war, terrorism and drug trafficking," noting improved cooperation following Moscow's recognition of the Islamic Emirate's authorities.
Addressing the broader international situation, Putin described it as "increasingly deteriorating," with diplomacy, consensus-seeking, and compromise increasingly supplanted by "unilateral, and quite dangerous, actions." He lamented that "dozens of countries around the world suffer from disrespect for their sovereign rights, from chaos and lawlessness, and lack the strength and resources to stand up for themselves."
On the Ukraine conflict, Putin maintained Russia's long-standing position, framing it as a "direct consequence of years of ignoring Russia's legitimate interests and a deliberate course of threatening our security and advancing NATO toward Russia's borders, contrary to the public promises made to us." He reaffirmed commitment to a multipolar world order and the "strengthening [of] the key, central role of the UN in global affairs." Putin recalled Russia's repeated initiatives for a "new, reliable and equitable architecture" of European and global security, proposing solutions that could satisfy stakeholders in America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. "We believe that it would be worth returning to their substantive discussion in order to consolidate the conditions under which a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine can be achieved – and the sooner the better," he said.
He stressed Russia's pursuit of "long-term and sustainable peace that reliably ensures the security of everyone," expressing hope that recognition of this need would emerge "sooner or later." Until then, "Russia will continue to consistently pursue its goals," he added.
The ambassadors accredited at the ceremony represented a diverse group, including envoys from France, Italy, Afghanistan, Algeria, Brazil, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Pakistan, and others—spanning friendly, neutral, and previously strained relations. The event underscored Russia's diplomatic outreach at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, including its military support from North Korea and ongoing sanctions pressures.
Analysts view Putin's comments on South Korea as a potential diplomatic signal amid evolving regional dynamics in Northeast Asia, where Seoul's security concerns over North Korea's nuclear program and its alliance with the U.S. have complicated ties with Moscow. The reappointment of a familiar ambassador could facilitate quiet channels for dialogue, even as public rhetoric remains cautious.
As 2026 begins, Putin's address reinforces Moscow's narrative of seeking equitable global order while defending core interests, positioning Russia as open to dialogue but resolute in its strategic objectives.
