Media reports South Korea hesitant to supply weapons to Ukraine
A Ukrainian delegation in Seoul has reportedly requested to acquire surface-to-air missiles and additional weapons from South Korea. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Seoul is reportedly hesitant to approve the sale of Cheongung air defense systems to Ukraine due to potential violations of existing laws, as reported by broadcaster SBS on Thursday.
A Ukrainian delegation, headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, arrived in Seoul on Wednesday, engaging in discussions with President Yoon Suk Yeol, Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, and National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik.
According to a government source cited by SBS, Ukraine aimed to negotiate the procurement of weaponry from South Korean manufacturers, particularly KM-SAM systems, as well as air defense and counter-battery warfare radars. The delegation also expressed interest in launching charges for 155mm shells, the source indicated.
The report noted that Seoul "expressed reluctance" concerning the proposal, as supplying weapons to Ukraine could breach the Foreign Trade Act, which limits exports to conflict zones. The Defense Ministry has reportedly directed companies to avoid unauthorized communications regarding this matter.
Yonhap News Agency reported that President Yoon mentioned that Seoul might contemplate arms support to Ukraine based on the level of military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Defense Minister Kim rejected the reports as speculation, stating to lawmakers that he “did not receive any proposals” from the Ukrainian delegation regarding the purchase of Cheongung air defense systems.
Kim remarked, as quoted by The Korea Herald, that Seoul was “responding in solidarity with the international community” in its approach to aid Ukraine, although he noted he “was not supposed to give more details.”
On Thursday, the Democratic Party of Korea put forth a resolution calling on the Yoon administration to “end involvement” in the conflict in Ukraine. The lawmakers had previously threatened to impeach the defense minister if arms were supplied to Kiev.
Additionally, South Korean activists and political groups protested on Wednesday against the potential arms sales to Ukraine, asserting that such actions would only heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
US President-elect Donald Trump had promised during his campaign to resolve the Ukraine conflict, yet specifics of his plan remain unspecified.
Moscow has consistently cautioned that providing weapons to Ukraine would severely damage relations with Seoul.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
A Ukrainian delegation, headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, arrived in Seoul on Wednesday, engaging in discussions with President Yoon Suk Yeol, Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, and National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik.
According to a government source cited by SBS, Ukraine aimed to negotiate the procurement of weaponry from South Korean manufacturers, particularly KM-SAM systems, as well as air defense and counter-battery warfare radars. The delegation also expressed interest in launching charges for 155mm shells, the source indicated.
The report noted that Seoul "expressed reluctance" concerning the proposal, as supplying weapons to Ukraine could breach the Foreign Trade Act, which limits exports to conflict zones. The Defense Ministry has reportedly directed companies to avoid unauthorized communications regarding this matter.
Yonhap News Agency reported that President Yoon mentioned that Seoul might contemplate arms support to Ukraine based on the level of military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Defense Minister Kim rejected the reports as speculation, stating to lawmakers that he “did not receive any proposals” from the Ukrainian delegation regarding the purchase of Cheongung air defense systems.
Kim remarked, as quoted by The Korea Herald, that Seoul was “responding in solidarity with the international community” in its approach to aid Ukraine, although he noted he “was not supposed to give more details.”
On Thursday, the Democratic Party of Korea put forth a resolution calling on the Yoon administration to “end involvement” in the conflict in Ukraine. The lawmakers had previously threatened to impeach the defense minister if arms were supplied to Kiev.
Additionally, South Korean activists and political groups protested on Wednesday against the potential arms sales to Ukraine, asserting that such actions would only heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
US President-elect Donald Trump had promised during his campaign to resolve the Ukraine conflict, yet specifics of his plan remain unspecified.
Moscow has consistently cautioned that providing weapons to Ukraine would severely damage relations with Seoul.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
