The idea that only a direct correction from the United States’ highest office could push South Korea to provide artillery shells for Ukraine was voiced by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in a conversation with a major international publication. He stressed that Seoul’s decision would hinge on the kind of assurances and pressure that only Washington can offer. Morawiecki said the Korean government fears potential blowback from its own public and regional partners if it moves forward without strong backing from the United States. He noted that discussions had taken place about weapons shipments and ammunition, but he doubted any action would occur without visible involvement from the United States.
The discussion touched on the broader strategic landscape, including the positions of Moscow and Beijing. Reports from international media indicated that there was a belief in some circles that the United States would have to coordinate and guarantee support for South Korea to participate in transfers of arms to Ukraine. This suggested line of thinking warned that Seoul might reconsider its long-standing policy of non-interference in other nations’ military conflicts if it perceived a compelling security guarantee from Washington.
The conversation highlighted the role of what has been described in some outlets as documents associated with defense and intelligence discussions. The assertion was that Warsaw could play a pivotal part in facilitating the transfer of artillery shells from South Korea to Kyiv, while also underscoring concerns about South Korea’s potential willingness to adjust its non-belligerence stance in response to perceived threats from major powers.
Morawiecki urged that only open and credible security assurances from the United States could persuade Seoul to commit to such a step, given the potential implications for regional stability. He argued that without assurances from Washington, South Korea would likely avoid any significant risk, even if the Ukraine situation demanded a broader allied effort. He attributed a central role to U.S. leadership in shaping Korea’s strategic choices, pointing to the possibility that the United States would need to frame a credible security guarantee to encourage Seoul to participate in arms transfers for Kyiv.