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A Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov arrived in South Korea to request weapons and aid. The visit is an attempt by Kyiv to cater to Ukraine’s urgent need for military support as the war continues to escalate, targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas.

The Ukrainian delegation met with South Korea’s National Security Adviser Shin Won-Sik and Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun to discuss the situation in Ukraine and exchange perspectives on the conflict.

The delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov also held a meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol who expressed hopes that Seoul and Kyiv will work out ways to cope with the security threat posed by the North Korean-Russian military cooperation including the presence of North Korean troops and support for Russia. Both sides agreed to continue to share information on North Korean-Russian weapons and technology transfers while closely coordinating with the United States.

Yoon recently stated that the South Korean government might reconsider its position on providing weapons to Ukraine, citing North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia as a significant factor in potentially offering defense aid.

During the talks with Umerov, Yoon “agreed to continue sharing information on North Korea’s troop deployment to Russia and on weapons and technology transfers between Russia and North Korea, while working together with allied nations,” according to the South Korean Presidential Office.

On instructions from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, today, as part of the Ukrainian delegation in Seoul, I had meetings with the President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol, Minister of Defense Kim Yong-hyun and Director of National Security Shin Won Sik.

I provided…

— Rustem Umerov (@rustem_umerov) November 28, 2024

The visit by the Ukrainian delegation follows President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s announcement in October that Kyiv would send Seoul a comprehensive request for arms support, emphasizing the need for artillery and advanced air defense systems.

Ukraine has sought military assistance from South Korea as North Korea is reportedly sending thousands of troops to support Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. This escalation highlights deepening alliances as Pyongyang leverages its longstanding ties with Moscow.

Ukraine’s defense needs

Ukrainian leadership continues to highlight its pressing need for military assistance. Ukrainian media reports, quoting a video distributed by the defense ministry, revealed that Umerov participated in a conference this week with defense counterparts from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland. During the conference, Umerov outlined Ukraine’s urgent requirements, particularly advanced air defense systems and artillery ammunition. These demands are increasingly critical as Russian attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure have intensified.

South Korea’s stance on aid for Ukraine

South Korea has so far refrained from providing lethal military aid to Ukraine, focusing instead on non-lethal support such as demining equipment. However, the country is facing increasing international pressure to reconsider its position.

Earlier this month, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul acknowledged that Seoul is assessing all possible scenarios, especially considering North Korea’s alleged support for Russia. Cho stated that South Korea is closely monitoring North Korea’s involvement, including the potential deployment of North Korean troops to Russia and the nature of Moscow’s reciprocal aid to Pyongyang.

Russia’s warning to South Korea

Russia has already cautioned South Korea against providing lethal aid to Ukraine. On Sunday, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko released a statement saying that such an action would “fully destroy relations” between the two nations.

“Seoul must realize that the possible use of South Korean weapons to kill Russian citizens will fully destroy relations between our countries,” Rudenko stated to the state news agency TASS on Sunday. “Of course, we will respond in every way that we find necessary. It is unlikely that this will strengthen the security of the Republic of Korea itself.”

In response, the United States has dismissed Russia’s warning that it will take every measure necessary if South Korea provides lethal weapons to Ukraine.

Patrick Ryder, press secretary for the Department of Defense, said Tuesday that “it’s a little bit of gaslighting there,” when asked during a press briefing about Russia warning South Korea against providing weapons to Ukraine.

“Russia invaded Ukraine,” Ryder said. “They could end this war today by withdrawing their troops from Ukrainian territory and restoring peace and stability to the region.”

Geopolitical implications

Seoul’s hesitance to supply lethal aid reflects the delicate geopolitical balance it must maintain. The country remains wary of provoking Russia, which could retaliate by supporting North Korea more aggressively. Furthermore, any decision to send arms to Ukraine could impact Seoul’s relations with other global powers, including China.

South Koreans remain largely opposed to directly supplying arms to Ukraine, despite renewed international calls from Kyiv and its allies following reports of North Korean troops aiding Russia. A Gallup Korea survey in October revealed that while most South Koreans view growing military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow as a threat, 82% oppose sending military aid, including arms. President Yoon’s low approval ratings and limited public support for weapons supply are undermining his mandate on foreign policy.

Nevertheless, Ukraine’s consistent appeals for advanced weaponry, particularly air defense systems, highlight the urgent nature of its requests. Umerov’s meetings in South Korea aim to underscore the critical role South Korean technology could play in countering Russian aggression.

South Korea’s decision on lethal aid will likely be influenced by broader international dynamics, including ongoing discussions within NATO and allied nations about increasing military support for Ukraine. Ukraine’s recent diplomatic engagements with European powers such as Britain, France, and Germany also underscore its strategy of rallying international support against Russia.

The Ukrainian delegation’s visit to South Korea marks a pivotal moment in Kyiv’s quest for expanded military aid. While South Korea has so far focused on non-lethal assistance, the increasing severity of the conflict and Ukraine’s urgent requests for advanced weaponry may force Seoul to reassess its stance. The outcomes of these high-level meetings could significantly influence the trajectory of international support for Ukraine and the broader dynamics of the war with Russia.