South Korea reiterates policy on Ukraine arms aid amid Zelenskyy's request

South Korea's Foreign Ministry has responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's request for air defense system support, stating that any provision of defense materials adheres to domestic laws and policies. The ministry reiterated Seoul's principle of not supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine, while continuing to provide humanitarian assistance.

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We want to receive support from South Korea in the field of air defense systems.

President Zelenskyy had expressed a desire for South Korean support in air defense systems and cooperation on drone technology in a recent interview. He also indicated that diplomatic channels between South Korea and Ukraine were active regarding this matter. A Foreign Ministry official declined to confirm the specifics of diplomatic communications but emphasized Seoul's ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine's peace recovery and reconstruction through various sectors like energy, infrastructure, health, and education.

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Our provision of defense materials to various countries has been carried out in compliance with relevant domestic laws and policies.

The air defense systems and drones mentioned by President Zelenskyy are classified as lethal weapons. A source within the Foreign Ministry confirmed that the principle of excluding lethal weapon support remains unchanged, adding that the government is closely monitoring the situation and engaging in discussions with Ukraine.

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Currently, there has been no change in our principle of excluding lethal weapon support.

Ukraine's need for air defense systems has intensified due to the prolonged conflict between the United States and Iran, which has diverted American Patriot missile systems to the Middle East, reducing available interceptor capabilities for Ukraine. The ministry also addressed Zelenskyy's remarks about North Korean troops potentially being deployed to Russian territory, stating that such military cooperation violates UN Security Council resolutions and directly impacts South Korea's security. Seoul maintains that North Korea-Russia military cooperation must cease immediately and is closely monitoring related developments.

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North Korea-Russia military cooperation is a matter that directly affects our security and is an act that violates UN Security Council resolutions. The government's position is that North Korea-Russia military cooperation must cease immediately, and we are closely monitoring related trends.