USFK: "US Department of Defense Requests Support for Ukraine Equipment"

"Support for Ukraine's Equipment Poses No Security Issues"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Pyeonghwa] The United States Forces Korea (USFK) has acknowledged receiving a request from the U.S. Department of Defense to support equipment for Ukraine. However, it stated that even if equipment support is provided to the Ukrainian military, there will be no issues in fulfilling the defense commitments with South Korea.

Isaac Taylor, USFK spokesperson, said on the 19th, "The U.S. Department of Defense is providing military support from stockpiles (weapons inventory) to support Ukraine," adding, "USFK has been requested to provide some equipment." This statement acknowledges reports by U.S. media that the U.S. is utilizing stockpiles held in countries including South Korea to support Ukraine's weapons supply.

On the 11th, U.S. Forces Korea participated in an explosive ordnance disposal team competition at a training ground near Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, the U.S. media outlet The New York Times reported, citing anonymous sources, that the U.S. plans to use its stockpiles held in South Korea and Israel to supply artillery shells to the Ukrainian military. Domestically, concerns arose that such support might potentially disrupt joint readiness.

USFK maintains the position that supporting the Ukrainian military will not affect the fulfillment of defense commitments to South Korea. Martin Meiners, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, also explained to local U.S. media that "it will not undermine defense or readiness posture in response to regional threats."

The Ministry of National Defense confirmed that prior consultations took place. Jeon Hakyu, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, explained regarding this matter, "South Korea and the U.S. are closely consulting and cooperating on matters related to readiness posture."

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