Seoul signals possible arms support for Ukraine, contingent on North Korean actions
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (Photo: Getty Images)
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that South Korea may consider supplying weapons to Ukraine, depending on the level of North Korea's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine, Deutsche Welle reports.
According to South Korean policy, the country does not supply weapons to nations engaged in active conflicts. However, this stance could shift due to North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia in support of its war against Ukraine.
"Now, depending on the level of North Korean involvement, we will gradually and incrementally adjust our support strategy. This means that we do not exclude the possibility of providing weapons," President Yoon stated.
North Korea deploys troops to war in Ukraine
Recently, it was revealed that North Korea has sent military personnel to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has described this decision as part of a "strategic partnership" between the Russian Federation and North Korea.
Moreover, Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, warned that North Korean troops could be actively engaged in combat against Ukraine as early as November.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia has supplied North Korean troops with weapons, including:
- 60 mm mortars
- AK-12 assault rifles
- RPK/PKM machine guns
- SVD/SVCh sniper rifles
- Phoenix anti-tank guided missiles and RPG-7s
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reported that the US has confirmed the presence of approximately 8,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region.
