In a revealing interview from August 12, 2017, Evgeny Kim, a senior fellow at the Centre for Korean Studies of the Institute of Far Eastern Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, discussed Russia’s role in deterring potential U.S. military action against North Korea. Kim suggested that Russia’s air defense systems over North Korean airspace could serve as a critical factor in preventing American air and missile strikes on the country.

Kim speculated that, should a conflict erupt, it would likely be the U.S. that initiated it, emphasizing that North Korea’s missiles are not aimed at Guam. “Most likely, if something happens, U.S. missiles will be fired. Our (Russian) air defense systems could intercept them, but it is necessary to conduct a policy that would prevent such a course of events,” he explained.

Kim’s comments offer a plausible explanation for the Russian military’s increasing presence in its Far Eastern regions, particularly near the North Korean border. This build-up of air defense systems coincided with rising U.S. threats of preventive strikes on North Korean missile sites. As American assets like the B-1B Lancer bombers were deployed closer to Guam, with military officials calling for strikes to halt North Korea’s nuclear advancements, the threat of war in Korea seemed imminent.

According to Kim, Russia’s air defense strategy plays a pivotal role in preventing the U.S. from controlling North Korean airspace, a crucial component of American military doctrine. Without air superiority, any U.S. military action in the region becomes significantly more difficult, if not impossible.

By denying U.S. forces access to this critical airspace, Russia could effectively deter American military strikes, making it a crucial player in maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula. Given Kim’s expertise and his knowledge of Russian interests in East Asia, his insights reflect the strategic importance of Russia’s role in averting a potential war in the region.