South Korea Considers Weapon Aid for Ukraine

A Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov visited South Korea in November 2024 to request weapons aid for their ongoing war with Russia. The delegation met with South Korea's National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik and President Yoon Suk Yeol to discuss the conflict and Ukraine's urgent defense needs.

In an interview with South Korean broadcaster KBS, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously stated that Kyiv would send a detailed request to Seoul for arms support, including artillery and air defense systems. Ukrainian media reported that Umerov stressed the need for advanced air defense systems and more artillery ammunition during a conference with counterparts from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland.

South Korea, a leading arms producer, has been under pressure from Western countries and Ukraine to provide lethal weapons. However, Seoul has so far focused on non-lethal aid, including demining equipment. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul stated that all possible scenarios were under consideration and that Seoul would be monitoring the level of North Korean involvement in Russia and any potential rewards Pyongyang might receive from Moscow.