In an exclusive interview with Reuters, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said his government might support Ukraine with more than just humanitarian and economic aid if Russia launches a large-scale civilian attack.
Elaborating on how his government has been exploring ways to help defend and rebuild Ukraine, Yoon said that “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.”
This marks the first time South Korea has hinted at its willingness to send lethal aid to Ukraine after more than a year of ruling out this possibility.
Ties with Russia
As a major US ally and a largescale weapons producer, South Korea has refrained from antagonising Russia thus far, as several of its companies operate in the country. Moreover, Russia also wields considerable influence in issues related to North Korea.
In the event of an escalation of violence and a massive attack on civilians, South Korea may join the Western countries and provide military assistance to Ukraine, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol said in an interview with Reuters.
— Feher_Junior (@Feher_Junior) April 19, 2023
Although Yoon said he believes that “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,” he added that “considering [South Korea’s] relationship with the parties engaged in the war and developments in the battlefield,” his country will “take the most appropriate measures.”
US Visit and North Korean Threat
Yoon’s comments come days ahead of his state visit to the US next week, where he is scheduled to participate in a summit with President Joe Biden to celebrate the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.
During the upcoming summit with Biden, Yoon said he will seek “tangible outcomes” on their joint efforts to counter threats from North Korea.
He noted that “if a nuclear war breaks out” on the Korean peninsula, it will “probably not” be limited to “a problem between the two sides, but the entire Northeast Asia would probably turn to ashes.” “That has to be stopped,” he stressed.