Negotiations Underway for Ammunition Export to Support Ukraine

US Explores Ammunition Imports from Domestic Defense Companies

It has been reported that the United States is exploring the import of ammunition from Korea to support Ukraine, and it has been confirmed that our defense companies are currently negotiating ammunition exports with the U.S. Department of Defense.

At a regular briefing on the 28th, Jeon Ha-gyu, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, responded to a question about the Ministry's stance on the Ukrainian ambassador to Korea requesting consultations with the Korean Ministry of National Defense or the Defense Acquisition Program Administration regarding arms procurement, stating, "I understand that ammunition export negotiations are underway between Korean companies and the U.S. Department of Defense."

He added, "It would be best to observe the situation as these export negotiations are ongoing," and "There has been no change in our position otherwise." It is known that the U.S. Department of Defense negotiation team is currently visiting Korea to conduct export negotiations with our defense companies that produce artillery shells and other munitions.

The previous day, spokesperson Jeon stated regarding lethal weapons support to Ukraine, "The government policy of not providing lethal weapons to Ukraine remains unchanged," but also said, "I believe that necessary government-level reviews should be conducted regarding weapons support," leaving some room for interpretation.

Earlier, when the U.S. faced shortages in ammunition stockpiles due to support for Ukraine, it secured inventory by importing from Korea, and it is known that the U.S. government is currently consulting with our government on importing Korean-made ammunition again for Ukraine support.

In this context, on the 27th, Dmytro Ponomarenko, the Ukrainian ambassador, delivered a keynote speech at a seminar hosted by the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA), expressing, "I hope the Korean government finds a solution to supply Korean-made lethal weapons to Ukraine," and added, "Ukraine would be very grateful if an opportunity is provided to directly consult with the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration on this matter," thus requesting discussions on lethal weapons support.

Regarding criticisms that the Ukrainian diplomat’s repeated public requests and consultations for support despite the Korean government’s policy against lethal weapons support constitute a 'diplomatic impropriety,' spokesperson Jeon responded, "I have nothing special to say in the briefing about the Ukrainian ambassador to Korea making such remarks at an academic seminar."