South Korea could expand its support for Kiev beyond humanitarian and economic aid if Ukrainian civilians come under full-scale attack.
So said South Korean President Yun Suk-yeol, adding that his stance on sending weapons to Ukraine has changed.
In an interview with Reuters ahead of a state visit to the United States next week, Yoon Suk-yeol said his government was looking for ways to help defend and rebuild Ukraine, like the international aid that South Korea received during the Korean War of 1950-1953.
“If a situation arises that the international community cannot tolerate, such as a large-scale attack on a civilian population, massacres or a serious violation of the laws of war, it will be difficult for us to demand only humanitarian aid or financial,” he said.
Seoul for the first time said it was ready to supply arms to Ukraine, although more than a year ago it ruled out the possibility of providing lethal assistance.
As a key U.S. ally and major producer of artillery shells, South Korea has also tried to avoid confrontation with Russia despite pressure from Western countries to push Seoul to supply weapons.
This is explained by the need to take into account the interests of Korean companies operating in Russia and the influence of Moscow on North Korea.
“I believe there will be no limits to the spectrum of support for the defense and reconstruction of a country that has been illegally invaded, both under international and domestic law,” the president said. south korean. “However, given our relationship with the parties involved in the war and developments on the battlefield, we will take the most appropriate action.”
Yoon Suk Yeol is due to travel to Washington next week for a summit with US President Joe Biden on the 70th anniversary of the two countries’ alliance.
He said the summit would see “tangible results” from allied efforts to improve responses to ever-evolving threats from North Korea, which stepped up military testing and launched its first solid-fueled ballistic missile last week.
When asked if the allies plan to create an Asian version of NATO’s nuclear planning group with Japan, Yoon Suk-yeol said they are focusing on bilateral steps to improve information sharing. , joint contingency planning and joint implementation of plans.
In February, South Korea and the United States held tabletop exercises simulating a North Korean nuclear attack as part of Seoul’s effort to play a bigger role in Washington’s nuclear policy toward Pyongyang.
“In terms of responding to a powerful nuclear attack, I think we need to prepare more drastic measures than those of NATO,” Yoon Suk-yeol said.
“I think it’s not a big deal if Japan joins us, but since there has been a lot of progress between the United States and South Korea, it will be more effective if we first create this system ourselves,” he added.
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