Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov/ Photo: UP
Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov met with South Korean President Yun Seok-yol during his visit to Seoul. The Ukrainian side asked for military assistance, British TV channel Sky News reported , citing the office of the South Korean president.
Military aid issues
Umerov arrived in Seoul to discuss the possibility of supplying arms, especially amid reports that the North Korean military is taking part in the war on Russia’s side. South Korea said it was ready to consider such assistance depending on further actions by Russia and North Korea.
Previously, South Korea refrained from providing Ukraine with lethal aid, citing domestic politics and concerns about the DPRK and China’s reaction.
Public opinion in South Korea
The Reuters news agency notes that the majority of South Korean citizens oppose direct arms supplies to Ukraine. However, recent reports of North Korean military involvement in the war on the side of Russia have increased pressure on Seoul from the international community, including Ukraine and its allies.
Ukraine’s request coincides with new threats in the region, including North Korea’s active military support for Russia. The situation is pushing South Korea to reconsider its position, as Seoul is an ally of the United States and seeks to protect its interests in the region.
Umerov’s visit to South Korea demonstrates Ukraine’s desire to expand its international coalition of support and obtain additional resources for defence amid the ongoing war with Russia.
