The Russian government has reportedly blamed South Korea for the deterioration of bilateral relations.

According to Russia’s state-run TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made the remarks Tuesday while addressing reporters ahead of the annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi, saying, “Russia has not ruined relations with South Korea.”

Zakharova reportedly said Russia did not impose sanctions against South Korea first but that unfortunately, Moscow has seen Seoul follow the U.S. lead, probably under pressure.

The spokesperson made the remarks when asked to comment on reports that South Korea is considering sending military experts to Ukraine in response to the presence of North Korean troops in Russia.

Zakharova reportedly said if South Korea wants stability in the region, it should not disrupt the balance of power or drag the region into other confrontations.

Warning South Korea against intervening in the war in Ukraine, she said there is a need to develop good relations and mutually respectful relations based on international law.