South Korea: military aid to Ukraine possible – Reuters

South Korea might go beyond purely humanitarian and economic aid in its support for Ukraine if the latter comes under a large-scale civilian attack, President Yoon Suk-yeol told Reuters, signaling a shift in his stance against arming Ukraine for the first time.

He said his government has been exploring ways of helping defend and rebuild Ukraine, just as South Korea received international assistance during the 1950-53 Korean War.

“If there is a situation the international community cannot condone, such as any large-scale attack on civilians, massacre or serious violation of the laws of war, it might be difficult for us to insist only on humanitarian or financial support,” Yoon said – more than a year after Seoul ruled out the possibility of lethal aid to Ukraine.

According to Reuters, South Korea is a key U.S. ally and a major producer of artillery ammunition. It has so far tried to avoid antagonizing Russia due to its companies operating there and Moscow’s influence over North Korea, despite mounting pressure from the West for weapons supply to Ukraine.

“I believe there won’t be limitations to the extent of the support to defend and restore a country that’s been illegally invaded both under international and domestic law. However, considering our relationship with the parties engaged in the war and developments on the battlefield, we will take the most appropriate measures,” said the president.

Photo: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol speaks during an interview at the Presidential Office in Seoul on Tuesday | REUTERS via The Japan Times