South Korea to provide possible military aid to Ukraine

South Korea to consider providing Ukraine assistance beyond humanitarian and economic aid

President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea claims they are considering providing Ukraine with military assistance. This is due to the growing threat of a large-scale civilian attack in Ukraine. This decision showcases a change in the stance of South Korea against Ukraine which is a first. 

Ahead of President Yoon’s visit to America next week, he states that the South Korean government is considering how to help Ukraine rebuild and defend itself. This decision is in light of how they received international aid during the Korean War in 1950-1953. 

This decision comes as a surprise after showing an unwillingness to provide military aid to Ukraine more than a year ago. They are an ally of the United States and a large-scale producer of artillery ammunition. Previously, they wanted to avoid antagonizing Russia due to their factories established there and Moscow’s influence over North Korea. Thus they resisted the Western pressure to provide arms. 

South Korea’s initial aid to Ukraine

During the early days of the war, South Korea provided Ukraine with $100 million in aid, such as vaccines, medical supplies, electricity generators, and support for nuclear plants. They also participated in the UNICEF program to assist Ukrainian refugees and pledged $3 million worth of generators to help Ukraine get through the winter. 

They committed $230 million to help Ukraine and its refugees, including an additional $130 million. This amount was to help Ukraine restore its power grid, demining projects, and reconstruction projects. 

President Yoon states that they cannot insist on providing only humanitarian and financial aid if there is a large-scale civilian attack, a violation of the laws of war, or a massacre. As such, South Korea is considering providing military aid to Ukraine.

South Korea’s initial refusal to provide arms

The primary reason South Korea cannot provide military aid is the law. The law states that they cannot offer ammunition to countries involved in a conflict. However, North Korea also plays an additional role in this refusal. 

Former South Korean administration under President Moon Jae In was concerned about damaging relations with Russia. They believed Russia would be a key player in getting North Korea to discuss Pyongyang’s nuclear program. 

The current administration under President Yoon fears Russia will retaliate against them for its military support for Ukraine. They are concerned that Russia will provide North Korea with modern weapons and aircraft to broaden its weapons program. 

South Korea’s Conflict with North Korea

Due to Moscow’s influence over North Korea, South Korea is debating providing military aid to Ukraine. Russia will assist North Korea in attacking them in case of military assistance. 

Terence Roehrig, a professor of national security and an expert on Korea stationed at the U.S. Naval War College, states that South Korea is playing a delicate balancing game concerning the Ukrainian war. However, it may not seem the same to the Kremlin in Russia. 

Moscow has placed South Korea on the list of countries that commit “unfriendly actions” and have sanctioned Russia. North Korea has partnered with Russia by supporting its position on Ukraine, criticizing NATO, and potentially providing military support to Russia. 

President Yoon states that if a nuclear war broke out between North and South Korea, it would decimate the entirety of northeast Asia. As such, they cannot expect assistance from Russia about North Korea. 

President Yoon Suk Yeol is visiting Washington, D.C., next week for a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden to mark the 70th anniversary of their alliance.