Government Announces 'Sanctions in Case of Full-Scale War with Russia' but... "No Premature Judgment on Full-Scale War" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The South Korean government announced on the 24th that it is consulting with allied countries on response measures regarding the situation in Ukraine, and if Russia launches a full-scale war, it will have no choice but to join sanctions such as export controls against Russia. However, regarding what constitutes a "full-scale war," the government stated that it "will not make premature judgments."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the same day, "Despite repeated warnings from the international community, if Russia launches a full-scale war in any form, our government clearly states that it will have no choice but to participate in sanctions such as export controls against Russia."

It added, "The government plans to review possible measures and provide support to minimize any damage to our economy and businesses that may arise from these actions."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said, "Considering the overall situation, it can be seen as an imminent invasion of Ukraine by Russia," and "Our government is closely consulting with allies such as the United States on response measures."

However, the Ministry clarified that these remarks do not signify a change in the existing stance on sanctions against Russia. Ministry spokesperson Choi Young-sam explained during an afternoon briefing, "Our government's position has been consistent. Regarding the situation in Ukraine, our government has been closely monitoring related developments and, as a responsible member of the international community, has been consulting closely with allies such as the United States on related response measures. The government position announced today is a continuation of these consistent actions."

So far, the government has stated that it is "in consultation with relevant countries" regarding sanctions on Russia related to the Ukraine crisis and has maintained a cautious stance on independent sanctions.

When asked about the conditions defining "full-scale war" as a prerequisite for joining sanctions, the government responded, "At present, our government is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine moment by moment," and "We refrain from making premature statements about specific situations at this time."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.