South Korea may send offensive weapons to Ukraine due to DPRK-Russia cooperation
South Korea may supply Ukraine with offensive weapons (Getty Images)
South Korea has pledged to take "phased measures" against North Korea and Russia due to their deepening military cooperation. The possibility of sending both offensive and defensive weapons to Ukraine is being discussed, according to Deputy National Security Advisor Kim Tae-hyo.
Kim Tae-hyo made this announcement during a briefing after a meeting organized by National Security Advisor Shin Won-sik regarding the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia.
The Presidential National Security Council convened to assess the situation after the National Intelligence Service reported that North Korea had decided to send approximately 12,000 military personnel to assist Russia, with around 1,500 soldiers already deployed in Russia’s Far East.
The National Security Council said that this development poses a significant security threat both to South Korea and the international community and constitutes a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibiting military cooperation with North Korea.
"If the illegal military cooperation between North Korea and Russia continues, (South Korea) will not stand by but respond firmly in collaboration with the international community," Kim said, warning of "phased measures" depending on the level of their military ties.
A senior presidential official informed reporters that one of the potential responses could include the delivery of offensive and defensive weapons.
In June, South Korea hinted at the possibility of supplying weapons to Ukraine after Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defense pact. However, Seoul has so far maintained its position of providing non-lethal humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
