South Korea Hinted at Military Assistance to Ukraine if Large-Scale Humanitarian Crisis Persists

 

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SEOUL: South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol hinted at possible military assistance to Ukraine beyond humanitarian and economic aid if it comes under large-scale civilian attack.

He has disclosed this development in an interview with Reuters ahead of his official visit to United State next week. The president further added that his government is identifying ways to maximum help to defend and rebuild Ukraine just like South Korea received international assistance during Korean War of 1950-53.

"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," Yoon added.

Seoul has expressed, for the first time, its willingness to supply weapons to Ukraine, after previously ruling out the option of providing lethal aid for over a year. South Korea, an ally of the US and a significant producer of artillery ammunition, had been reluctant to provoke Russia due to its economic interests in the country and Moscow’s sway over North Korea. However, despite growing pressure from Western nations to provide arms, South Korean President attempted to take this action that is going to upset Russia as well.

Yoon said further, "I believe there won't 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 in the battlefield, we will take the most appropriate measures."

(Courtesy: Reuters)