South Korea rejected Ukraine's request to buy weapons – SBS News
Photo: Rustem Umerov (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine sought to purchase weapons from South Korea to aid in its resistance against the Russian army. However, Seoul declined the request, according to SBS News.
According to the media outlet, the Ukrainian delegation requested permission to purchase, not receive for free, South Korean weapons, specifically Cheongung medium-range surface-to-air missiles.
A source of the TV channel said that Ukraine asked for non-lethal weapons. Alongside Cheongung interceptor missiles, Ukraine expressed interest in radars for air defense and counter-artillery purposes. Ukraine also requested charges for 155-mm artillery shells that “make the shells fly.”
It is likely that South Korean defense companies such as LIG Nex1, Hanwha, and Hyundai Rotem received cooperation proposals from Ukraine regarding arms procurement. However, South Korea's Ministry of Defense reportedly advised these companies to refrain from signing contracts.
The refusal was allegedly due to high risks of violating foreign trade laws that restrict exports to the combat zones.
Background
North Korea has sent troops to Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine. The media reports that Moscow has given Pyongyang a million barrels of oil and some weapons in exchange for military aid.
The Ukrainian party adds that the DPRK also seeks to receive technology from Russia, particularly in the military sphere In this context, South Korea stated it might consider supplying weapons to Ukraine, though no official decision has been made.
Recently, Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with senior South Korean officials during his visit to Seoul. Strengthening security was among the topics discussed.
