South Korea, which has been assisting Ukraine with non-lethal aid, may now consider supplying weapons after uncovering military ties between North Korea and Russia, despite denials from both nations about arms transfers.
Despite being a leading arms producer, South Korea has resisted supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine, even under pressure from Western countries. However, this stance could change following reports from its spy agency that North Korea sent 1,500 special forces personnel to Russia for training, likely in preparation for combat in Ukraine.
In response, the National Security Council (NSC) held an emergency meeting, and one possible countermeasure being considered is providing Ukraine with lethal weapons. South Korean officials indicated that if the situation worsens, they may consider supplying weapons for both defensive and offensive purposes.
The NSC said in a statement that Seoul is calling for an immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops that Pyongyang had sent. The South also warned that if military collusion between North Korea and Russia continues, there will be appropriate response from the South and foreign allies.
This possibility was discussed earlier when South Korea prepared diplomatic, economic, and military measures following the mutual defense treaty signed between North Korea and Russia in June, which further strengthened their military cooperation.
For now, South Korea’s immediate plan is to send a team of intelligence and defense officials to NATO headquarters to enhance information sharing in the coming days.
