Ministry of National Defense to Ukraine, Welcoming 'Korean Weapons,' "Promotes Humanitarian Aid"

"Weapon support should be reviewed at the government level"
Zelensky "If South Korean weapon support is provided, it would be positive"

The Ministry of National Defense has expressed its intention to actively promote humanitarian aid, including reconstruction projects in Ukraine. While reaffirming the existing policy of not providing lethal weapons, it mentioned that weapon support requires government-level review, drawing attention to whether there will be changes in our government's policy in response to repeated requests from the international community.

Jeon Ha-gyu, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said at a regular briefing held at the Ministry on the 27th, "There is no change in the government's policy of not providing lethal weapons to Ukraine," adding, "South Korea is actively promoting humanitarian support, including the reconstruction of Ukraine."

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[Image Source=Yonhap News]

In response to a question asking, "Isn't the international community, including Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), publicly requesting weapon support?" the spokesperson explained, "We are well aware of such matters and are actively promoting humanitarian support, including reconstruction, accordingly. However, regarding weapon support, I believe necessary government-level review is required."

A Foreign Ministry official also commented on the possibility of weapon support, saying, "The government is providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine in cooperation with the international community," and added, "Following last year's $100 million support, we have pledged an additional $130 million in aid and plan to continue supporting infrastructure construction and reconstruction." However, the official added a caveat, stating, "We will closely monitor the future war situation and review comprehensive government support measures."

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a press conference on the 24th (local time) and announced plans to invite South Korean leaders to his country, saying, "It would be positive if Korean-made weapons are provided (to Ukraine)." He also said, "There are details being discussed with other countries regarding this excellent country," and added, "I hope to find opportunities to support Ukraine through this."

Meanwhile, the government is reportedly reviewing a U.S. request to export shells to Ukraine. Last year, when the U.S. ammunition stockpile decreased due to support for Ukraine, the U.S. purchased shells from South Korea to replenish its stock. At that time, the Ministry of National Defense stated, "Export consultations are underway between the U.S. Department of Defense and our ammunition companies, with the U.S. as the final user," expressing a general position. However, even if the final user is specified in the sales contract with the U.S., it is difficult for the exporting country to verify the actual end user. Especially considering that the U.S. continues to support Ukraine, it is generally observed that it is not easy to conclude that the shell quantities are unrelated to Ukraine.