Yoon Declares 'Peace Solidarity Initiative'... "Life Means Death, Death Means Life Solidarity" (Update)

Yoon and Zelensky Joint Press Conference... "Strongly United to Fight and Protect Together"
Declaration to Promote 'Ukraine Peace Solidarity Initiative' Including Security, Humanitarian, and Reconstruction Support

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 15th (local time) that "we have agreed to jointly promote the 'Ukraine Peace Solidarity Initiative,' which encompasses South Korea's security support, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction assistance." In particular, a 'Yoon Suk-yeol-Zelensky Scholarship' will be established to support the education of Ukrainian students for future generations.

On the same day, President Yoon held a summit meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, Ukraine, and made a press announcement outlining these details.

President Yoon Suk-yeol, who made a surprise visit to Ukraine, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are seen entering the Mariinsky Palace, the presidential residence in Kyiv, and conversing on the 15th (local time).
[Photo by Yonhap News]

President Zelensky, expressing gratitude for "the South Korean government's humanitarian aid," also thanked President Yoon for "efforts to realize peace and resolve food issues." He specifically mentioned participation in reconstruction projects, stating, "Additional support from South Korea, including reconstruction, is very important," and made a concrete request to "participate in the construction of recovery centers."

President Yoon responded strongly with a spirit of solidarity, referring to the philosophy of 'Saengjeuksa (生則死) Sajuksaeng (死則生)' (Live means die, die means live). He said, "I remember President Zelensky saying that as a president, he has no right to fear death," adding, "If we stand united and fight together strongly, we will surely be able to protect our freedom and democracy."

He then declared the promotion of the 'Ukraine Peace Solidarity Initiative,' centered on ▲security support ▲humanitarian aid ▲reconstruction assistance. Regarding security support, President Yoon promised additional military supplies such as bulletproof vests and helmets, including the successful hosting of the 'Peace Formula Summit.' In terms of humanitarian aid, he mentioned the implementation of $150 million in aid this year, following approximately $100 million in humanitarian support last year.

A notable point is the agreement between the two leaders for future generations. They agreed to establish the 'Yoon Suk-yeol-Zelensky Scholarship,' with President Yoon elaborating, "we will support Ukrainian students currently studying in South Korea to complete their studies with peace of mind and expand the scholarship program so that more students can benefit."

Regarding reconstruction support, one of the core goals of this NATO summit and Poland visit, he explained, "We welcome the preliminary signing of the EDCF (Economic Development Cooperation Fund) basic agreement between the two countries last May, and we will promptly identify and promote cooperative projects such as infrastructure construction using the $100 million project fund already allocated by South Korea's financial authorities."

President Yoon concluded by saying, "I believe the 'Miracle of the Dnipro River' will definitely happen," and promised, "The Republic of Korea will be a partner nurturing Ukraine's freedom, peace, and prosperity, and furthermore, a reliable partner contributing together with Ukraine to the world's freedom, peace, and prosperity."