Military, "Unwilling to Provide Lethal Weapons to Ukraine"

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] The government has reportedly reiterated its stance of 'no lethal weapons' regarding Ukraine's recent request for air defense weapon systems support from South Korea.

According to government and military officials, Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraine's Minister of Defense, requested support for air defense weapon systems during a phone call with South Korean Minister of National Defense Suh Wook on the 8th. Military officials stated that no specific air defense weapon system was mentioned.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Boo Seung-chan also said at a regular briefing that “there was an additional request related to weapons support,” and “the Ukrainian minister inquired whether it would be possible to provide air defense weapon systems, among other things.”

He added, “Minister Suh explained that considering our security situation and the impact on the military’s readiness posture, support for lethal weapon systems to Ukraine is limited,” confirming the rejection stance.

During the call on the 8th, Minister Suh explained efforts to support non-lethal military supplies, and Minister Reznikov expressed gratitude for South Korea’s humanitarian support and hoped for continued necessary assistance.

Earlier last month, Ukraine sent official letters requesting military and humanitarian aid worldwide, including South Korea, and it was reported that lethal weapons such as rifles and anti-tank missiles were included in the requested items.

In this regard, the Defense Ministry has repeatedly stated that there are limitations regarding lethal weapon support.

Accordingly, last month the Defense Ministry provided Ukraine with about 20 items excluding weapons, including military supplies such as bulletproof helmets, tents, blankets, as well as medical supplies like personal first aid kits and medicines, and it is known to be reviewing additional humanitarian support.

Some speculate that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may publicly request weapons support from the South Korean government during his video address to the National Assembly at 5 p.m. today.

Meanwhile, former Justice Party lawmaker Kim Jong-dae wrote on his Facebook on the 9th, “It has been confirmed that before the call from the Ukrainian Defense Minister, the U.S. Embassy had conveyed the same request to our government several times.” This claims that the U.S. also requested South Korea to support Ukraine with air defense weapon systems.

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