2 years of Ukraine War… Ukraine-UK Ambassadors Meeting
“North Korea-Russia arms trade threatens the security of the Korean Peninsula”
“Thank you to Korea for providing medicine, ambulances, etc.”
“The sooner Russia, which threatens not only the global economy but also the security of the Korean Peninsula, loses the war in Ukraine, the better for everyone.”
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marks two years on the 24th, Ukrainian Ambassador to Korea Dmytro Ponomarenko and British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks emphasized this in an interview with the Dong-A Ilbo held at the Ukrainian Embassy in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on the 22nd. This is because the continued confirmation that North Korean-made weapons are being used in the war in Ukraine also shows Russia’s threat to the security of the Korean Peninsula. In response, Ambassador Ponomarenko said, “Stopping Russia, which is targeting not only Ukraine but also Poland and Moldova, is the best way to prevent a chain of wars from occurring around the world.”
Regarding the situation where the situation is becoming unfavorable, such as the withdrawal of the Ukrainian army from the eastern battleground of Audijivka due to the recent Russian military offensive, he urged, “The more weapons support we provide from each country, the faster we can drive out Russia.” He also said that he was grateful to Korea for providing medicine, ambulances, etc. to Ukraine.
There is a possibility that former President Donald Trump, who calls for an end to support for Ukraine, may return to power in the November U.S. presidential election, and the Republican Party, to which former President Trump belongs, is not passing the Joe Biden administration’s budget for additional support to Ukraine. Regarding this situation, Ambassador Ponomarenko emphasized his belief in continued support, saying, “Last year, the United States provided Ukraine with $42.5 billion, which is more than in 2022 ($31.1 billion).”
Large soldier mural on the exterior wall of a building in Ukraine A large mural of Ukrainian soldier Maksim Yalowtsov is painted on the exterior wall of a residential building in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, on the 5th. The former wrestling coach died in battle with Russian forces in 2022. Ukraine, which marks the second anniversary of the Russian military invasion on the 24th, is experiencing significant difficulties due to a lack of supplies due to the recent decline in support from the West. Kieu = AP NewsisWhile some in the West have recently called for a reduction in support to Ukraine due to the prolongation of the war, Ambassador Crooks also unusually attended the interview on this day to show Britain’s firm support for Ukraine. Ambassador Crooks, who served as ambassador to North Korea before taking office in South Korea, also mentioned the North Korea-Russia arms trade and expressed concern that “Russia is threatening peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.”
Last month, the UK decided to provide up to 2.5 billion pounds (about 4 trillion won) in military support this year. Ambassador Crooks emphasized, “The UK continues to provide support not simply to Ukraine, but to uphold the international order itself based on democracy, human rights, international law and rules.”
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.