South Korea promises strong ties with Ukraine and smooth relations with Russia

South Korea is a major arms exporter, and the US and European allies have long asked Seoul to help Kyiv more. There is speculation that with North Korea possibly sending weapons to Russia for the war in Ukraine, South Korea could change its long-standing policy. However, Yoon Suk Yeol told reporters that he maintains a “firm position” not to supply lethal weapons to the parties to the conflict.

Yoon Suk Yeol said his country is doing its best to “provide humanitarian and reconstruction aid in accordance with the spirit of the country’s Constitution.” According to the president, relations with Moscow are strained because of arms shipments from North Korea to Russia.

“North Korea’s export of offensive weapons not only supports the illegal war in Ukraine, but also clearly violates United Nations Security Council resolutions on sanctions related to North Korea’s nuclear weapons,” Yoon Suk Yeol said.

Despite tensions with Moscow over alleged arms shipments, South Korea’s president said he would work with Russia. “Russia is a country with which we have had good relations for a long time,” he said. “With the recent war in Ukraine, we have different positions on the use of weapons from North Korea,” he added. “As for our relationship with Russia, we will cooperate on a case-by-case basis, we may oppose or be cautious depending on different positions, but we will manage our relationship with Russia as smoothly as possible,” Yoon Suk Yeol said.

Seoul’s long-held ambition to become one of the world’s biggest arms exporters, the fourth largest after the United States, Russia and France, is now possible, according to industry research.

South Korea has sold artillery shells to Washington, but entered into an “end-user” agreement, meaning only the United States can use the weapons. Experts say that this allows the United States to supply Kyiv with its own projectiles later.

South Korea’s president spoke at his first press conference in nearly two years to mark two years in office.