Lee Jae-myung: "Military Support for Ukraine Absolutely Should Not Happen... President Yoon Must Reconsider"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, requested a reconsideration of President Yoon Suk-yeol's statement on the 19th about considering military support for Ukraine. He argued that it could cause serious harm to national interests.

At a meeting with reporters that day, Lee said, "There seems to be a report regarding military support for Ukraine. I will state the Democratic Party's principle," adding, "Military support for conflict zones at this time is an act that harms national interests and must never be done."

He said, "In diplomacy, nothing is more important than the lives, safety of the people, and national interests," and added, "Regardless of conservative or progressive administrations, no government has ever pursued a diplomatic policy that creates hostile countries."

He continued, "I strongly request the president to reconsider this decision, which causes serious harm to South Korea's national interests."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee made these remarks regarding the military support policy for Ukraine following President Yoon's interview with Reuters. In the interview released that day, President Yoon said, "I believe there is no limit to the scope of support to defend and restore a country illegally invaded under international and domestic law," adding, "If there are situations that the international community cannot tolerate, such as large-scale attacks on civilians, massacres, and serious violations of the laws of war, it may become difficult for us to insist on only humanitarian or financial support." Until now, South Korea has rejected requests for weapons support from Ukraine and the West, maintaining a policy of humanitarian aid. President Yoon's remarks are being interpreted as a shift in the government's position.

Kwon Chil-seung, senior spokesperson for the Democratic Party, also said in a briefing, "This means breaking the diplomatic principle of 'no supply of lethal weapons to conflict zones' that has been upheld for many years," adding, "The 'partnership' that has developed over more than 30 years since South Korea and Russia established diplomatic relations is now facing the risk of turning into a 'hostile country'."

Spokesperson Kwon said, "This situation will bring about significant economic losses to about 150 South Korean companies operating in Russia, which ranks among the top 10 trading partners of our country," and added, "The president's statement that 'diplomacy and security are directly connected to people's livelihoods' and that 'the core of all diplomacy is the economy' rings hollow."

Regarding reports about the additional loan of 500,000 rounds of 155mm shells, he said, "There are concerns that a serious 'security gap' may occur in our national defense as well."

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