South Korea says 'no' to arming Ukraine, neighbor of Russia

South Korea has stated it will maintain its policy of providing only humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, declining requests for military aid including weapons and air defense systems. The announcement comes despite ongoing appeals from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and heightened tensions due to North Korea's troop deployments in Russia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Seoul's stance remains firm. "South Korea strictly supplies defense materials to any country in accordance with the country's domestic laws," a high-ranking official stated, emphasizing adherence to national regulations governing the export of defense materials.

This decision reflects South Korea's cautious approach to international military support, balancing its security interests and domestic legal frameworks. While acknowledging Ukraine's needs, the government prioritizes its own legal constraints and potentially broader geopolitical considerations in its foreign policy decisions regarding the conflict.