Hong Jun-pyo on Russia-Ukraine Crisis: "The Sorrow of Non-Nuclear States"

"Ukraine Crisis Caused by Nuclear Disarmament After Independence"

Hong Joon-pyo, member of the People Power Party. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the People Power Party, said on the 25th that Russia's military invasion of Ukraine is the "sorrow of a non-nuclear state."

On the same day, Hong responded this way to a question on his online platform "Youth's Dream," asking, "What are your thoughts on Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine?"

Previously, Ukraine signed the "Budapest Memorandum" in 1994 with the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, and others, declaring nuclear disarmament and, in return, receiving security guarantees from the international community.

Hong also answered the question, "If you were the president of Ukraine, how would you handle the current situation?" by saying, "The Ukraine crisis was caused by giving up nuclear weapons after independence."

Meanwhile, when a netizen commented, "A powerless country calling for peace is ultimately ignored and disregarded. Russia's invasion of Ukraine makes us reconsider South Korea's security and strategy," Hong replied, "Peace spoken only with words."

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a special military operation in the early hours of the 24th (local time), citing the protection of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.

In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, "Russia attacked our military facilities and border guards," and announced, "Martial law is declared in Ukraine."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba criticized Russia's airstrikes on the capital city Kyiv.

Minister Kuleba wrote on his Twitter account that "The last time our capital experienced something like this was in 1941 when it was attacked by Nazi Germany," adding, "Ukraine defeated that evil and will defeat it again this time." He further urged, "Stop Putin, isolate Russia. Sever all relations and drive Russia out."

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