South Korea's Nuclear Sub Plans May Increase Tensions on Korean Peninsula

Russian envoy warns cooperation with US could conflict with non-proliferation treaty

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Georgy Zinovyev, the Russian ambassador to South Korea, argued that South Korea's plans to build a nuclear-powered submarine in cooperation with the United States could increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula and potentially conflict with the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Zinovyev said the project would not contribute to easing tensions or reconciliation in the region, as North Korea views such military activity as a threat to its security.

Why it matters

The development of nuclear-powered submarines by South Korea, a key US ally, is seen as a potential escalation of military capabilities in the region and could further inflame tensions with North Korea, which has its own nuclear weapons program. Russia is concerned the project may violate non-proliferation agreements.

The details

Zinovyev stated that while South Korea has said it will meet non-proliferation standards, Russia has requested the International Atomic Energy Agency to hold discussions on the issue to ensure there are transparent and robust measures of accounting and control. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has said the country will stand by its non-proliferation obligations, noting that a nuclear submarine does not contain nuclear bombs or detonators.

  • On October 2026, US President Donald Trump announced giving South Korea permission to build a nuclear-powered submarine at the Philadelphia Shipyard.
  • On December 3, 2026, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated that his country completely stands by its non-proliferation obligations.

The players

Georgy Zinovyev

The Russian ambassador to South Korea who argued that South Korea's nuclear submarine plans could increase tensions and conflict with the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Lee Jae-myung

The President of South Korea who stated that the country will stand by its non-proliferation obligations despite plans to build a nuclear-powered submarine.

Donald Trump

The former US President who announced giving South Korea permission to build a nuclear-powered submarine.

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What they’re saying

“As regards the situation in Northeast Asia, this step perhaps complies with the rationale of exerting military pressure on Pyongyang.”

— Georgy Zinovyev, Russian Ambassador to Seoul (news-pravda.com)

“According to our estimates, this would not contribute to easing tensions or bringing reconciliation to the Korean Peninsula.”

— Georgy Zinovyev, Russian Ambassador to Seoul (news-pravda.com)

“It is not as if a nuclear submarine has detonators or nuclear bombs in it.”

— Lee Jae-myung, South Korean President (news-pravda.com)

What’s next

The International Atomic Energy Agency is expected to hold discussions on the issue to ensure South Korea's nuclear submarine project meets non-proliferation standards.

The takeaway

The development of nuclear-powered submarines by South Korea, a key US ally, is seen as a potential escalation of military capabilities in the region and could further inflame tensions with North Korea. Russia is concerned the project may violate non-proliferation agreements, highlighting the delicate geopolitical balance in Northeast Asia.