South Korea May Provide Lethal Aid to Ukraine in Response to North Korea Sends Troops to Russia

The South Korean government, which had previously committed to only providing non-lethal aid to Ukraine, is now actively considering the provision of lethal weapons in response to North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia. Reports indicate that if this support is confirmed, the initial aid will likely consist of 155mm artillery shells.

On Monday, the Kukmin Ilbo and other outlets reported that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. According to a presidential office statement, the president stated, “We will actively implement phased measures in response to the advancements in military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. “The president also expressed interest in exploring practical countermeasures with NATO and its member nations.

A senior government official echoed this sentiment, adding, “The government has consistently maintained that the decision to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine depends on Russia’s actions. In response to North Korea’s troop deployment, we will keep all options open and make a policy decision.”

South Korean intelligence agencies estimate that North Korea has dispatched over 1,500 special forces and large combat units to Russia, currently engaged in the war in Ukraine. Should further deployments or advanced military technology transfers occur, the South Korean government is expected to consider this a violation of the “red line.” It may actively move toward supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine.

Reports suggest that the initial support could include an additional supply of 155mm artillery shells, as South Korea is among the world’s largest munitions producers. According to YTN, other potential items on the list may include medium-range surface-to-air missiles, such as the Cheongung, which Ukraine requested in 2022 for intercepting aircraft.

Since the beginning of the Ukraine war, South Korea has only provided non-lethal aid despite repeated requests from Ukraine for lethal support. However, this stance shifted after North Korea and Russia signed a treaty resembling a military alliance in June. At that time, President Vladimir Putin warned South Korea that supplying lethal weapons would be a mistake, but the South Korean presidential office responded by stating, “There are no legal restrictions on weapon support.”