MOSCOW, October 20. /TASS/. The Russian side has taken note of certain statements from the Republic of Korea (ROK) regarding its desire to normalize ties with Moscow, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told reporters on Tuesday.

"Yes, we have recorded certain statements from South Korean authorities regarding their ambitions to normalize these relations but at the same time they say that such a normalization of ties could fully take place only after, as they say, the geopolitical situation changes, which means putting an end to the Ukraine conflict," the senior Russian diplomat said in response to a TASS reporter’s question.

For its part, Russia does not link developments between Moscow and Kiev to relations with any country, including the Republic of Korea, Rudenko emphasized. According to him, if the South Korean partners take any practical steps, Russia will certainly welcome them.

"It was not us who initiated the severing of ties with South Korea. Seoul joined the sanctions which were imposed on Russia first," the diplomat added.

Earlier, ROK President Lee Jae-myung stated that Seoul views relations with Moscow as important and that it will continue to keep communication channels open.