Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, suggested that if Seoul begins supplying weapons to Kyiv, Moscow could provide North Korea with the newest arms to counter such moves.
Medvedev wrote on Telegram that South Korea had recently claimed it eliminated any possibility of arming Kyiv, yet he warned that locals would witness new Russian weaponry from trusted partners in the DPRK if Seoul proceeds with such shipments.
On April 19, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol acknowledged for the first time the potential to arm Ukraine, speaking ahead of a visit to the United States.
He noted that if the international community loses patience, Seoul might struggle to justify only humanitarian or financial support, as reported by Reuters.
Yoon cited a large-scale attack on civilians, massacres, or serious breaches of the laws of war as scenarios that could force a reconsideration of aid. He stressed that any decision to assist Kyiv would reflect the situation in the South Korean war zone and the state of Kyiv’s relations with involved parties.
According to Yoon, Seoul is exploring ways to defend and rebuild Ukraine, drawing on the support South Korea received during the 1950-1953 Korean War.
Reuters notes that South Korea, a major producer of artillery munitions and armored vehicles, has so far avoided providing arms to Kyiv, fearing repercussions for its companies with operations in Russia.
There is nothing new in this
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reacted to the South Korean president’s position, saying such a move would signal Seoul’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict. He added that sanctions and other measures are already in play, and noted that more countries may choose to participate directly.
Grigory Karasin, chairman of the Federation Council’s international relations committee, suggested the announcement appeared to come under pressure. He claimed Seoul faces strong pressure, particularly from the United States, and cautioned that arming Kyiv would be a hurried decision given regional tensions.
How is South Korea assisting Ukraine?
South Korea began offering aid to Kyiv shortly after the Russian operation started, initially focusing on humanitarian and non-lethal support such as medical supplies, helmets, body armor, tents, and blankets, along with chemical and radiological protection equipment.
In early March 2023, South Korea’s prime minister asserted that Seoul would refrain from arming Kyiv for the time being.
In April, Reuters reported, based on leaked Pentagon documents, that Seoul had agreed to sell US artillery shells to support Washington’s resupply needs, with the shells destined to remain under the control of the U.S. military and concerns about their potential destination in Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has previously warned that South Korea fears Moscow and Beijing’s reactions and has thus refused to arm Kyiv. A former South Korean ambassador told the Washington Post that Seoul could face economic and diplomatic repercussions from Moscow, arguing that arms for Ukraine would aid Kyiv but also invite retaliation against Seoul.