South Korea Mulls Arming Ukraine After North's Troop Deployment

Last Thursday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol hinted at providing Ukraine with weapons. This comes as North Korea is suspected of sending troops to aid Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Yoon met with Polish President Andrzej Duda to discuss boosting defense ties. Around 3, 000 North Korean troops are believed to be training in Russia, with plans to send up to 10, 000 by year’s end. Both Russia and North Korea deny these claims. Yoon said South Korea might supply weapons to Ukraine in stages, depending on North Korea's involvement.

This would mark a shift from South Korea's policy of not arming countries in active conflict. The plan is to support Ukraine and secure the Korean Peninsula. South Korea has already provided non-lethal aid and joined sanctions against Russia. Experts worry about potential technology transfers between Russia and North Korea. However, the combat effectiveness of North Korean troops is uncertain.

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