South Korea considers joining PURL program
Ukrainian Armed Forces (Photo: facebook.com GeneralStaff ua)
The authorities of South Korea are analyzing additional options for supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing war. This may involve possible participation in an international initiative related to the supply of equipment and other assistance, according to Yonhap.
Read also: Rutte reveals how much US will supply Ukraine with weapons under PURL this year
What steps are being discussed in Seoul
South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is considering various measures to support Ukraine in the war against Russia.
According to Yonhap, one of the possible decisions under discussion is joining an initiative to purchase US weapons for Ukraine.
A representative of the foreign policy department said that the government continues consultations with NATO regarding various options for support.
PURL program
A diplomatic source said that participation in an arms procurement program known as the Priority List of Ukraine’s Needs (PURL) is being considered. At the same time, it is emphasized that even if Seoul joins, its contribution may be limited to supplying non-lethal equipment.
Who is already participating
According to journalists, countries that are not NATO members have already joined the initiative, including Australia and New Zealand. Japan is also expected to announce its intention to participate.
At the same time, the equipment expected to be purchased with Japan’s support will mainly include non-lethal items such as transport vehicles and radar systems.
Support since the beginning of the war
Since the start of the full-scale war in 2022, South Korea has been providing humanitarian and other non-lethal aid to Ukraine.
Currently, the country’s authorities are considering expanding this participation in international initiatives supporting Kyiv.
Japan is considering joining the NATO initiative better known as PURL, which provides supplies of ammunition, equipment, and other US-made hardware for Ukraine.
France has not joined the US PURL arms supply initiative for Ukraine, but is ready to provide support in other ways, while emphasizing the importance of developing its own European defense systems.
