Yoon "Considering Military Support to Ukraine if Large-Scale Civilian Attacks Occur" (Update)

"No Showy Summits in Inter-Korean Relations... Developing Ultra-High-Performance Weapons"

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 19th that South Korea would consider providing military support if large-scale attacks on civilians occur in Ukraine, which is at war due to the Russian invasion. This marks a shift from the government's previous stance of "not providing lethal weapons," effectively signaling a willingness to supply arms.

In an interview with Reuters released on the 19th ahead of his upcoming state visit to the United States next week, President Yoon said, "I believe there are no limits to the scope of support to defend and restore a country illegally invaded under international and domestic law."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In particular, President Yoon stated, "If there are situations that the international community cannot tolerate, such as large-scale attacks on civilians, massacres, or serious violations of the laws of war, it may become difficult for us to claim only humanitarian or financial support." Until now, South Korea has refused weapons support from Ukraine, the United States, and other Western countries, providing only humanitarian aid.

Regarding inter-Korean relations, President Yoon said, "I will not hold a summit with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un just for show," adding, "However, the door to dialogue for peace promotion remains open." He also mentioned that South Korea is developing ultra-high-performance weapons to respond to North Korean threats.

Concerning the cross-strait conflict between China and Taiwan and the related international tensions, he emphasized, "I am absolutely opposed to changing the status quo of the Taiwan Strait by force."

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