South Korea reluctant about Kiev’s request for weapons – media

The South Korean government isn’t eager to greenlight the sale of Cheongung air defense systems to Ukraine, as it might violate existing legislation, broadcaster SBS reported on Thursday.

A delegation from Ukraine led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov arrived in Seoul on Wednesday. Umerov met with President Yoon Suk Yeol and held talks with National Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun and National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik.

SBS cited a government source claiming that Kiev had intended to negotiate a purchase of weapons from South Korean defense companies, particularly KM-SAM (Korean Medium-range Surface-to-Air Missile, or Cheongung) systems, along with radars for air defense and counter-battery warfare. They also requested launching charges for 155mm shells, the source said.

Seoul “expressed reluctance” about the proposal, according to the report, which noted the supply of weapons to Ukraine would likely violate the Foreign Trade Act, which restricts exports to conflict zones. The Defense Ministry had instructed the companies to refrain from engaging in unauthorized contact.

The presidential office reportedly issued a release, stating that the Ukrainians met Yoon to share intelligence regarding the alleged growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea and discuss joint responses to security threats.

According to a report by Yonhap News Agency, Yoon has said Seoul might consider providing arms support to Kiev depending on the extent of military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Defense Minister Kim on Thursday dismissed the reports as speculations, telling lawmakers during a plenary session that he “did not receive any proposals” from the Ukrainian delegation about buying Cheongung air defense systems.

Kim said, as quoted by The Korea Herald, that Seoul was “responding in solidarity with the international community” regarding aid to Ukraine, adding he’s “not supposed to give more details.” 

On Thursday, the Democratic Party of Korea introduced a resolution urging the Yoon administration to “end involvement” in the Ukraine conflict. The lawmakers had earlier threatened to impeach the defense minister if weapons were provided to Kiev.

South Korean activists and political organizations held protests on Wednesday where they condemned potential arms deliveries to Kiev, saying it would only escalate tensions on the peninsula.

US President-elect Donald Trump vowed during his campaign to put an end to the Ukraine conflict, although he has not revealed any details of his plan for resolving the crisis.

Moscow has repeatedly warned that delivering weapons to Ukraine would destroy bilateral relations with Seoul.