Ahead of his state visit to the United States, President Yoon Seok-yeol left open the possibility of military aid for the first time, although he had set preconditions such as a “large-scale attack on civilians” and “a massacre that the international community cannot condone” in relation to the war in Ukraine. This is the first hint that the policy of ‘non-destructive weapon support’, which has been adhered to so far, can be changed. Russia said, “Russia’s latest weapons are in North Korea. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” he even wrote a bluff.
In an interview with Reuters published on the 19th, President Yoon said, “If Russia’s large-scale attack on civilians, a massacre that cannot be tolerated by the international community, or a serious violation of the law of war occurs, it may be difficult to insist on humanitarian or financial assistance. ”he said. At the same time, he also said, “It is difficult to have restrictions on various aids to protect and restore a country that has been subjected to illegal invasion, either internationally or domestically.” The news agency reported that President Yoon also mentioned that he was looking for ways to help Ukraine defend and rebuild.
On the same day, the presidential office drew a line on the expanded interpretation, saying, “It is an answer with premise (such as massacre of civilians),” and “It has not changed the government’s position (no arms support).” However, unlike the existing policy that even blocked the possibility, it was interpreted that leaving room for arms support even conditionally was a change in position.
President Yoon’s remarks that day are interpreted as considering the relationship with the United States and the international community ahead of his visit to the United States. Kim Hyeon-wook, a professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, predicted, “The government appears to have decided to be more aggressive in its aid to Ukraine, including arms support.” He also analyzed, “The sense of responsibility to match the ranks of the liberal and democratic order camps emphasized by the president must have played a role in line with Korea’s economic capabilities and international status.” In the recent leak of confidential information from the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), apart from the authenticity of the documents, it became known that the contents of the conversation between the officials of the National Security Office in response to the US request for arms support were agonizing over whether to change policy in order to provide US shells for use in Ukraine. there is.
After President Yoon’s remarks became known, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov protested, saying, “Korea has taken a fairly unfriendly stance on this incident, and this (suggestion of arms support) is part of this.” Vice-Chairman Medvedev went further and targeted South Korea head-on through his Telegram, saying, “New people who are eager to help our enemies have appeared.” “I wonder what they will say when they see Russia’s newest weapon in the hands of their closest neighbors, our partners in North Korea,” he said, warning of retaliation. Last year, Russian President Putin threatened that “Korea-Russia relations will collapse if weapons are provided to Ukraine.” There are observations that South Korea may take retaliatory measures, such as disadvantages to Korean citizens and companies in Russia, if South Korea’s arms support is actually provided.
Shortly after Russia’s response came out, a presidential office official said in a phone call with The Dong-A Ilbo, “Russia’s response is based on assumptions. There is nothing in particular to disclose,” he said.
Regarding President Yoon’s remarks in Ukraine, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung criticized, saying, “It is a decision that seriously harms the national interest of the Republic of Korea.”
Regarding the cross-strait conflict between China and Taiwan, President Yoon said in an interview, “This tension was caused by an attempt to change the status quo by force.” .
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.