Amid Russia-North Korea Pact South Korea to Reconsider Arms Supply to Kyiv

Seoul has announced a potential shift in its arms supply policy to Ukraine, following the recent signing of a military assistance pact between North Korea and Russia.

The South Korean government stated on Thursday that it would revisit its stance on providing lethal aid to Kyiv in response to this development.

The announcement came after North Korea and Russia formalised an agreement that entails mutual military support in the event of an attack on either state.

This pact has raised concerns in Seoul regarding regional stability and the balance of power in East Asia.

National Security Advisor Chan Ho Jin highlighted that South Korea is considering altering its current policy, which has so far refrained from supplying lethal aid to Ukraine.

“We plan to reassess the issue of providing weapons to Ukraine,” Chan stated, hinting at a potential policy shift.

The specifics of South Korea’s future actions remain undisclosed, as Chan emphasised the need for strategic ambiguity.

“Concrete measures will be revealed later, and it will be interesting to observe Russia’s response, rather than prematurely disclosing our plans,” he added.

The advisor expressed grave concerns over the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between North Korea and Russia, which aims to bolster mutual military and economic cooperation.

He underscored that any collaboration facilitating North Korea’s military enhancement contravenes United Nations Security Council resolutions and would be subject to international scrutiny and sanctions.

In addition to reconsidering its arms supply policy, South Korea announced new sanctions targeting entities and individuals involved in the transfer of weapons and oil between Russia and North Korea.

These sanctions affect four vessels, five organisations, and eight individuals. The move is part of Seoul’s broader strategy to curtail the flow of military resources to Pyongyang.

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