South Korean public pushes back on Ukraine's weapon supply request
Ukrainian officials seek military support from Seoul amid growing North Korea-Russia cooperation. South Korean government faces strong domestic resistance while considering weapon supplies to Kyiv
Recent polls show South-Koreans dont support sending weapons to Ukraine‚ even as Rustem Umerov and his team met with President Yoon Suk Yeol last month
A small group of anti-aid protesters gathered near the presidents office holding signs that read: “No to arms supply to Ukraine“. The meeting focused on sharing info about North-Koreas military help to Russia; both countries discussed tech exchange and defense cooperation
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asked for specific military equipment from Seoul — including air-defense systems and artillery: this request comes as South Korea (one of worlds top arms makers) already sends non-lethal supplies like mine-clearing vehicles and protective gear
The governments response depends on Moscow and Pyongyangs actions‚ but several factors make the decision complex:
- Low public support for weapon supplies
- President Yoons dropping approval ratings
- Opposition party control in parliament
- Possible issues with future US relations
A top Russian official warned that Moscow-Seoul ties would be “completely destroyed“ if South Korea sends weapons. A SK ministry rep responded that Russia should think about its own actions with North Korea first
The Democratic Party — which won big in apr 23 elections — says the government needs parliaments ok for weapon shipments (though experts note the president can skip this step)
