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The South Korean government under President Yun Sok-yeol has stated that Seoul does not plan to supply weapons to Ukraine at present, a decision aimed at maintaining stable relations with Moscow. An official source described the stance as a careful choice tied to broader diplomatic priorities rather than a shift away from supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and safety.

According to the official briefing, the motive behind the current approach is to preserve stable ties with Russia while still supporting the international community’s shared objectives, including safeguarding the freedom and security of the Ukrainian people. The explanation underscored that the decision is driven by strategic calculations about regional and global stability rather than a rejection of Ukraine’s right to defend itself.

Earlier in April, Korea’s president indicated for the first time that supplying weapons to Ukraine could be considered, signaling a potential shift in policy under certain conditions. This stated possibility reflected a nuanced stance that weighs the benefits of direct military aid against the potential consequences for intergovernmental relationships and security dynamics in the region.

During subsequent remarks, a high-ranking administration official noted that any intervention by Seoul would hinge on the possibility of civilian harm or the emergence of a humanitarian disaster that might provoke a significant reaction from the international community. The emphasis was on preventing mass casualties and ensuring that humanitarian considerations guide any future steps in the crisis.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, the former press secretary for the Russian president, described Seoul’s position as growing increasingly adversarial and warned that initiating arms shipments would represent a noticeable escalation in Russia’s view of the conflict. He suggested that such a move could mark a new phase of involvement by Korea in the Ukraine crisis, with broader implications for regional security and diplomatic alignments. The comments came amid ongoing exchanges and analyses about how Seoul might calibrate its policy in response to evolving events in Ukraine and the wider international landscape.