South Korea’s National Security Advisor, Chang Ho-jin, recently articulated the pivotal considerations which will determine whether Ukraine will receive weaponry from South Korea. In a televised appearance on a KBS programme, he underscored that the decision to transfer arms to Ukraine is contingent on Russia’s actions in providing technology and advanced weaponry to North Korea.
Chang Ho-jin expounded that South Korea’s readiness to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine will be directly affected should Russia proceed with the transfer of high-precision weapons or technology to North Korea. He labelled this condition as a “red line,” unequivocally stating that South Korea will not hesitate to assist Ukraine by furnishing the necessary arms should such a scenario materialize.
The urgency of this matter came about following the conclusion of a strategic partnership agreement between Russia and North Korea, which encompasses military support in the event of aggression. Consequently, the South Korean government is currently assessing the possibility of lifting the existing ban on the supply of arms to Ukraine, particularly in light of the potential acquisition of advanced missile technology and weapons by the DPRK from Russia.
It is imperative to note that South Korea currently prohibits the transfer of lethal weapons to Ukraine, a stance reaffirmed by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on May 9, 2024.
Subsequent to South Korea’s announcement, the Russian government expressed disapproval, warning that the transfer of arms to Ukraine would be a “serious mistake” that could strain relations between the two countries. Conversely, South Korean officials are striving to negotiate terms to bolster relations with Russia, with the aim of fostering a peaceful environment on the Korean peninsula.
The strategic partnership agreement between Russia and the DPRK, inclusive of mutual military assistance in the face of aggression, was formalized during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang, where he engaged in discussions with DPRK Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un.
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