Pence Suggests Bypassing Korean Missile Supply to Ukraine Via U.S.

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has proposed a novel approach to bolstering Ukraine's air defenses: supplying South Korean interceptor missiles. During a visit to Kyiv, Pence relayed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's concerns about impending Russian attacks on energy infrastructure as winter approaches. Zelenskyy had requested 5% of U.S. Patriot missile stocks, but Pence noted that U.S. inventories are depleted due to the prolonged war in Iran. Pence suggested this situation presents an "opportunity" for U.S. allies like South Korea. He specifically mentioned that South Korea possesses sophisticated interceptor missiles and proposed that President Lee Jae-myung could facilitate their provision for U.S. deployment in the Middle East or Ukraine. Political outlet Politico interpreted Pence's remarks as a potential avenue to mend strained U.S.-South Korea relations, which have seen some tension due to recent reductions in joint military drills. Zelenskyy himself had previously appealed for South Korean air defense support via X (formerly Twitter) on November 8th. The proposal highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics and the urgent need for military aid to Ukraine.

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As winter approaches, Russia will begin to attack energy infrastructure.