South Korea says its military aid to Ukraine depends on Russia-DPRK ties
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
South Korea will determine the number of arms supplies to Ukraine depending on Russia's position on North Korea, according to South Korean National Security Advisor Chang Ho-jin, reports Yonhap.
According to him, South Korea will consider the possibility of sending weapons to Ukraine after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a pact that obliges them to mutual defense in case of war.
"There are various options for providing weapons, and our position on the recent developments between Russia and North Korea depends on how Russia approaches the situation going forward," the official said.
South Korea's assistance to Ukraine
Seoul may change its position on arms supplies to Ukraine in light of the new defense pact between North Korea and Russia. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, signed by DPRK and Russia, provides for immediate mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the parties.
It prompted South Korea to reconsider its policy of indirect support for Ukraine, which has so far been limited to humanitarian aid and intelligence data.
The potential change in Seoul's policy could be an important step for Ukraine, which has been fighting Russian aggression since 2014. As one of the world's leading arms manufacturers, South Korea can provide Ukraine with a wide range of weapons.
