South Korea’s presidential office announced on Monday that the U.S. government informed South Korea in advance about its decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles.
A senior presidential official told reporters in Brazil that day, “Since our country does not need to intervene in this matter directly, we were informed of the U.S. decision.”
The New York Times reported that U.S. President Joe Biden had authorized the use of U.S.-made long-range ATACMS missiles in Ukraine, lifting previous restrictions. ATACMS missiles have a range of approximately 300 kilometers and are expected to be used for defensive purposes by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s western Kursk region. The U.S. decision to allow ATACMS use is viewed as a response to Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops and a warning against additional reinforcements.
The senior official emphasized that if Russia and North Korea continue to defy international recommendations and cooperate in the Ukraine conflict, strengthening Ukraine’s self-defense capabilities is essential. He stressed that NATO, the U.S., and its ally South Korea should pay closer attention to this issue.
The official noted that discussions about specific weapon support are ongoing within NATO and the Biden administration. He added that South Korea must first host a Ukrainian delegation to understand their concerns. The official clarified that while the U.S.-South Korea alliance can exchange necessary weapon systems, no decisions have been made regarding Ukraine, and detailed discussions have not yet begun.
Addressing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s remarks to Brazilian media, the official said Seoul is focused on implementing sanctions that have a real impact on North Korea-Russia military cooperation. Yoon pledged to work with allies on strong sanctions targeting individuals and organizations involved in illegal activities supporting the war effort.
The official highlighted that North Korea and Russia continue to evade UN Security Council sanctions by engaging in illegal cyber operations and trading sensitive materials. He stressed the urgency of increasing international cooperation to close these loopholes.
On the broader conflict, the official pointed out that the status of occupied territories remains a critical factor in any potential peace negotiations. Both Russia and Ukraine are likely to intensify military efforts before the end of the year. “As the period of unpredictability nears its end, the fighting will likely escalate over the next two months,” the official said, emphasizing the need for South Korea and its allies to remain vigilant, share intelligence, and make informed decisions.
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