The White House has avoided commenting on whether South Korea should provide artillery shells to aid Ukraine against Russian attacks, stating it is a military decision for Seoul. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed gratitude for South Korea’s support during a press briefing.
Seoul’s defense ministry reiterated its stance against providing weapons to Ukraine despite calls for more defense material support. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs, Yuri Kim, emphasized the importance of air defense assistance from South Korea.
A foreign ministry official in Seoul mentioned that they will continue to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine considering the war and humanitarian situation. South Korea has been providing humanitarian and non-lethal defense assistance, including protective suits, demining equipment, and other military supplies.
Although Seoul has maintained a position of offering humanitarian and non-lethal defense aid to Ukraine, reports suggest that South Korea indirectly supplied more 155-mm shells to Ukraine in 2023 than all European countries combined. The current stance of South Korea remains focused on non-lethal support and humanitarian aid for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
