Official announcements by South Korean government or verified news reports

South Korea Condemns Russia-North Korea Military Pact, Reconsiders Arms Supply to Ukraine

Jun 20, 2024, 11:20 AM

South Korea has expressed strong regret and condemnation over a new pact between Russia and North Korea that includes military technology cooperation. The South Korean Foreign Ministry stated that any actions stemming from the pact that threaten South Korea's national security will be met with a firm response. Additionally, the South Korean presidential office indicated that Russia's military assistance to North Korea would negatively impact South Korea-Russia relations. In response to the pact, South Korea is reconsidering its longstanding policy of not supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine. Up until now, Seoul has only provided humanitarian aid to Kyiv, though it has been reported that the country has indirectly supplied artillery shells via the U.S. The new agreement, which includes a mutual defense agreement, has prompted a reassessment of South Korea's stance. The potential shift in policy could see South Korea providing arms supplies to Ukraine, marking a significant change in its approach to the conflict.