MOSCOW, December 27. /TASS/. South Korea's new export sanctions against Russia will negatively affect bilateral relations, Moscow's response will not necessarily be symmetrical, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.

"The new South Korean restrictions will damage practical cooperation between Russia and South Korea. Speaking of which, it has already been seriously damaged after Seoul joined the West's collective illegal anti-Russian sanctions. Undoubtedly, all this will have a negative impact on the entire set of bilateral relations. We reserve the right to retaliate, and not necessarily in a symmetrical way," the diplomat said.

Zakharova also called Seoul's move unfriendly. According to her, it was adopted "at the behest of Washington and is not only deeply regrettable, but runs counter to the South Korean side's declared commitment to maintaining constructive relations with Russia." "Most importantly, it undermines the economy and industry of South Korea itself," the diplomat pointed out.

Earlier, the South Korean Trade, Industry and Energy Ministry published information that 682 types of goods will be added to the list of export controls on deliveries to Russia and Belarus.

The changes will come into effect in early 2024 after administrative procedures. From then on, the export control list will increase to 1,159 types of goods. The new rules will apply to heavy construction equipment, rechargeable batteries, aircraft components, and passenger cars with an engine capacity of more than 2,000 cubic centimeters.

The "high likelihood" that these items will be used for military purposes is cited as the reason for the expanded restrictions.