Recent surveys show that South Koreans overwhelmingly oppose the direct supply of weapons to Ukraine. This stance comes despite repeated requests from Ukraine and its allies to Seoul to provide arms, especially after reports that North Korean troops are assisting Russia.
Ukrainian officials have requested various weapons from Seoul, and South Korean officials have said they will consider the matter based on the future steps taken by Russia and North Korea.
A Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, met today with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. According to media reports, the visit was related to the issue of arms.
“We say ‘No’ to the South Korean government’s plans to supply arms to Ukraine,” read a banner held by a small group of protesters gathered outside the prime minister’s office in Seoul.
Both sides agreed to continue exchanging information on the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia, as well as the exchange of technology and weapons between the two countries, according to a statement from President Yoon’s office.
The delegation also met with Seoul’s National Security Advisor, Shin Won-sik, and Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.
In an October interview with South Korean television KBS, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine planned to send Seoul a detailed request for military support, including artillery and an air defense system.
A Western diplomat told Reuters that private discussions focused on air defense systems designed to intercept aircraft and missiles, but uncertainty surrounding the U.S. presidential election victory of Donald Trump has raised doubts about the talks.
Polls show that President Yoon, who has a low approval rating due to domestic scandals, is facing widespread public opposition to the idea of supplying arms to Ukraine.
Most South Koreans view the growing military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow as a threat, according to a Gallup poll published in October, but 82% oppose military aid to Kyiv.
