Seoul not ruling out sending weapons to Ukraine, South Korean President Yoon confirms

Citing the threat posed by North Korean troops aiding Russia, Yoon says Seoul could adjust its Ukraine support strategy.

Nov 7, 2024 - 17:00
Seoul not ruling out sending weapons to Ukraine, South Korean President Yoon confirms

South Korea hints at lethal aid to Ukraine if Russia arms North Korea

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has signaled a potential shift in the country’s longstanding policy of not providing weapons to nations engaged in conflict, saying Seoul is “not ruling out” directly supplying arms to Ukraine. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said earlier “all possible scenarios are under consideration” regarding potential arms support.

This comes as a response to North Korea’s military support for Russia in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. South Korea has previously provided non-lethal aid to Ukraine, including mine clearance equipment, while resisting Kyiv’s requests for weapons. Russia has intensified military ties with North Korea since February 2022, securing ballistic missiles, and more than 2 million artillery rounds. Currently, some 10,000 Pyongyang troops are deployed in Russia, preparing to fight against Ukraine.

Yoon cited the threat posed by North Korean troops deployed to aid Russia on the frontlines, stating that Pyongyang’s involvement presented a threat to Seoul. The South Korean leader said his country would “gradually adjust” its support strategy for Ukraine “depending on the level of North Korean involvement,” according to Aljazeera.

If we proceed with weapons support, we would prioritize defensive weapons as a first consideration,” Yoon told a news conference on 7 November 2024.

The move represents a departure from South Korea’s previous stance of not providing arms to countries in conflict.

Now, depending on the level of North Korean involvement, we will gradually adjust our support strategy in phases,” Yoon said. “This means we are not ruling out the possibility of providing weapons.”

South Korea is a major arms exporter. Rocket launchers, tanks, and FA-50 fighter jets are among the weapons South Korea is supplying to Poland.

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