South Korea is ready to provide weapons to Ukraine under certain conditions – Reuters

19 April, 2023 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer. Photo from open sources South Korea might extend its support for Ukraine if it comes under a large-scale civilian attack.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced this in an interview with Reuters ahead of his state visit to the U.S. This is the first signal of a change in Seoul's position on providing aid to Ukraine. Yoon Suk Yeol stated that the country has been exploring ways to help defend and rebuild Ukraine, just as South Korea received international assistance during the 1950-53 Korean War.

Yoon Suk Yeol, President of South Korea.

Photo credits: Reuters

"If there is a situation the international community cannot condone, such as any large-scale attack on civilians, massacre, or serious violation of the laws of war, it might be difficult for us to insist only on humanitarian or financial support," the South Korean President said. It is emphasized that Seoul avoided supporting Ukraine due to fear of pressure from the Russian Federation with regard to companies and citizens working on the territory of Russia. The transfer of defense technologies from Moscow to Pyongyang could pose a separate danger.

"I believe there will not be limitations to the extent of the support to defend and restore a country that's been illegally invaded both under international and domestic law. However, considering our relationship with the parties engaged in the war and developments on the battlefield, we will take the most appropriate measures," Yoon Suk Yeol added.

K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers for Poland, October 19, 2022, Changwon, South Korea. Photo credits: Korea Defense Blog

The South Korean President is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden to mark the 70th anniversary of the two countries' alliance.

Yoon shared that during the summit, he will seek "tangible outcomes" on the allies' efforts to improve responses to evolving threats from North Korea. Seoul, for its part, will step up its surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence analysis capability and develop "ultra-high-performance, high-power weapons" to fend off the North's threats. Previously, South Korea announced that it would lease 500,000 artillery ammunition to the United States.

In this way, the United States will be able to replenish its arsenals and transfer additional ammunition to Ukraine. This is an unusual way of support, but it was chosen as optimal for both parties.

Products of Poongsan Corp.

Photo credits: Media of South Korea

The South Korean government believes that if the munitions are leased, ownership of them would belong to Seoul. They are also to be returned later. In addition, the lease is a certain guarantee that the US will not transfer shells to Ukraine without the consent of the South Korean government.

Last year, the South Korean government approved export licenses to supply Krab self-propelled guns produced from South Korean components to Ukraine. The South Korean platform from the K9 Thunder self-propelled gun was chosen as the Krab's chassis.

KRAB self-propelled guns of the 26th Separate Artillery Brigade of Ukraine. October 2022, Ukraine.

Photo credits: Kostiantyn Liberov

Also, at the end of last year, the US purchased 100,000 artillery ammunition in South Korea to meet the needs of the Ukrainian military.