South Korea has announced new sanctions against 10 individuals and two entities in connection with North Korea's nuclear program and its weapons trade with multiple countries, including Russia, according to a statement from the South Korean foreign ministry released on Thursday.

Among the individuals targeted by these sanctions are North Korea's defense minister and the chief of staff of its military, as revealed by the ministry.

These sanctions are a response to what South Korea deems as North Korea's illicit activities that pose a threat not only to regional stability on the Korean Peninsula but also to the global community.

Specifically, the sanctions are aimed at four individuals and two entities involved in North Korea's weapons trade with various countries, including Russia.

Notably, one of the entities mentioned is Versor S.R.O., a Slovakian company, and its chief executive, Ashot Mkrtychev of Slovakia. However, the ministry did not provide further details regarding the specifics of the weapons trade.

In addition to these measures, the sanctions also target North Korea's defense minister and the chief of staff of its military due to concerns surrounding the North's ongoing nuclear and missile developments.

The decision to impose these sanctions follows remarks by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who expressed concern that any support from Russia to enhance North Korea's weapons program could be seen as a "direct provocation," especially in light of Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

These sanctions are expected to have significant implications for diplomatic relations in the region and will be closely watched by the international community.

North Korea has not yet commented on the sanctions. However, the country has a history of responding to sanctions with defiance and threats of retaliation. (ILKHA)