Russia: "Korea's Weapon Support to Ukraine Means Definite Conflict Involvement"

Russia stated that President Yoon Suk-yeol's remarks suggesting the possibility of arms support to Ukraine "clearly indicate war intervention."

The Presidential Office announced on the 19th that President Yoon Suk-yeol mentioned the Ukraine war issue, North Korea's nuclear issue, and the Taiwan issue in an interview with Reuters on the 18th.
[Photo by the Presidential Office]

According to major foreign media on the 19th (local time), Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, said in a phone conference with reporters regarding President Yoon's remarks, "South Korea has taken an unfriendly stance toward Russia," adding, "South Korea's arms support to Ukraine signifies clear involvement in the conflict."

Earlier that day, according to the South Korean presidential office, President Yoon, in an interview with foreign media released ahead of his upcoming state visit to the United States next week, said, "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 claim only humanitarian or financial support."

Although large-scale attacks on civilians are a prerequisite, unlike South Korea's previous refusal of arms support to Ukraine and the West including the United States, providing only humanitarian aid, President Yoon's remarks this time were interpreted as effectively expressing willingness to supply weapons.

President Yoon stated, "I believe there is no limit to the scope of support to defend and restore a country illegally invaded according to international and domestic law," and "Considering the various relations between the warring countries and our country, as well as the progress of the war, it is just about taking appropriate measures."

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