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 the 24th marks the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, 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. The fact that North Korean weapons are being used in the war in Ukraine is being confirmed one after another because it also shows Russia’s threat to the security of the Korean Peninsula. On this day, Ambassador Crooks attended the interview to show Britain’s firm support for Ukraine, amid some voices calling for a reduction in support to Ukraine due to the prolongation of the war. Ambassador Crooks also served as the British Ambassador to North Korea shortly before his appointment to South Korea. The following is a Q&A.
―What does it mean that the Russian war is affecting not only Ukraine but the entire world?
▽Ambassador Ponomarenko
“Russia has repeatedly threatened not only Ukraine but also Poland and Moldova, and the German Defense Minister warned that Russia could even attack the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) within eight years. Stopping Russia is the best way to prevent a chain of wars around the world. Recently, together with partner countries, we are continuously monitoring North Korea’s provision of weapons to Russia and collecting evidence. “The countries that supplied weapons to the aggressor will be held responsible for the genocide of the Ukrainian people.”
▽Ambassador Crooks
“It is important to recognize that Russia threatens not only Ukraine and Europe, but also the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula. Russia, which has been isolated from the international community, is now narrowing the distance between itself and North Korea by calling it its ‘most ally’ and threatening South Korea every day. The transfer of weapons between North Korea and Russia not only prolongs the war, but also undermines the international non-proliferation system (of weapons of mass destruction) and violates UN Security Council resolutions on sanctions against North Korea. Russia has also caused a severe recession and is putting pressure on global energy and food prices. No one is free from this. “The sooner Russia is defeated, the better for all of us.”
―There are concerns that if former U.S. President Donald Trump, who calls for an end to aid to Ukraine, is re-elected, U.S. aid could be halted. The U.S. House of Representatives, where the Republican Party holds a majority, has not passed an additional budgetary support bill.
▽Ambassador Ponomarenko
“Every day that U.S. assistance is delayed means Ukraine is paying a serious cost. America’s support is directly linked to the lives of Ukrainians. Of course, we are aware of the possibility of adjusting our policy toward Ukraine if former President Trump is re-elected, and we are also making preparations for the worst-case scenario. However, even if former President Trump is elected, I do not believe that he will actually carry out everything he said during the ‘election campaign’. I also believe that we will not stop providing support because it is in the interest of the United States to win. Choosing whether to support us ultimately determines whether the United States will maintain its role as a leader in the international order in the future. In addition, the United States provided $42.5 billion (about 57 trillion won) last year, more than in 2022 ($31.1 billion). (However, 63% is in the form of loans.) We expect the House of Representatives to pass a support budget.”
-There are even concerns that Ukraine may gradually lose the war if Europe fails to fill the gap in U.S. support. Recently, controversy arose when former President Trump said, “Even the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will not protect us if we do not pay for defense costs, but will instead encourage Russia to attack.” What are Europe’s countermeasures in a situation where there is even talk of Europe’s own nuclear armament?
▽Ambassador Ponomarenko
“As security instability due to Russia is growing, European countries are increasing support to Ukraine. Through this war, Europe and NATO have already gained momentum in their defense policies. Our European partners clearly know that the only way to stop Russia’s acts of imperialist aggression is to support Ukrainian troops fighting on the front lines. Last month, Europe agreed to provide 50 billion euros in support over the next four years.”
View largerColin Crooks, British Ambassador to Korea, being interviewed by Dong-A Ilbo on the 22nd. She worked as a secretary at the British Embassy in Korea during the visit of the late Queen Elizabeth II to Korea in 1999, and this is her second assignment in Korea. He also served as deputy ambassador in Pyongyang in 2008 and as British ambassador to North Korea from 2018 to 2021, making him the only person to have served as ambassador to both South and North Korea. Her Korean skills are also fluent. ▽Ambassador Crooks
“The UK has promised up to 2.5 billion pounds (about 4 trillion won) in military aid to Ukraine this year. This does not simply mean support for Ukraine. It means support for democracy, human rights, international law, and the rules-based international order. Therefore, Britain promised to continue support until the end of the war. I believe that the EU countries and Korea, which have provided 88 billion euros in support so far and agreed to additional support, will have similar feelings as us.
Additionally, the UK has always maintained a strong alliance with all US administrations, including during former President Trump’s term. I don’t think this relationship will change even if President Trump is re-elected. And the UK’s view is that possessing nuclear weapons outside the scope of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is not in the interest of any country, let alone Europe. In addition, the UK’s position is that CVID (denuclearization), not North Korea’s ‘nuclear freeze’, is the only way to guarantee peace.”
―It was recently revealed that the Ukrainian army retreated from Audiica, a strategic point in the east. What is the current situation and damage status?
▽Ambassador Ponomarenko
“Despite many difficulties over the past two years, we liberated more than half of the territory occupied by Russia and lifted Russia’s maritime blockade by sinking a third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. To date, more than 400,000 Russians are believed to have died on the Russian front.
The problem lies at the beginning of this year. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stepped up his offensive to achieve even small results ahead of the ‘sham election’ (Russian presidential election) in March. In particular, as large-scale airstrikes increased with various types of ‘North Korean-made’ missiles and Iranian attack drones, we had to endure 6,000 airstrikes last year. In addition, they are carrying out the ‘in-sea tactic’ by sending a total of 460,000 Russian troops into our territory. Russia is sacrificing an average of 400 Russian soldiers to gain 1 km² of land. Because of this, we have now switched to a defensive posture and had no choice but to withdraw from Audijucca and seek a better front to protect the lives of our soldiers.
View largerUkrainian Ambassador to Korea Dmytro Ponomarenko is being interviewed by Dong-A Ilbo on the 22nd. Meanwhile, the amount of damage Russia inflicted on Ukraine during the war was approximately $411 billion (approximately 546 trillion won). The number of war crimes that Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have begun investigating alone stands at over 125,000, hundreds of which involve the crime of massacre of children. The number of internally displaced people registered with the government exceeds 6 million, and they are living in schools and nursing homes. Cities such as Bahmut and Audijuka have become uninhabitable places with only traces remaining. “Approximately 30% of Ukraine’s territory is at risk due to landmines and unexploded ordnance installed by Russia, and approximately 150,000 civilian facilities, including 827 cultural heritage sites and 2,000 schools, have been damaged or destroyed.”
―Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the commander-in-chief, raising concerns that internal strife may have arisen. It seems that the people are also very tired from the war that has lasted two years. What is the public opinion surrounding the war? Was there any public opinion against support in the UK?
▽Ambassador Ponomarenko
“First of all, as the Washington Post recently reported, many of the rumors about Ukraine’s alleged internal division were manipulated and spread by the Russian regime in order to promote discord and weaken the resolve of our people. Ukraine is a democratic country, and of course there can be differences of opinion between military and political leaders, and I believe that the recent reorganization of military command was due to the need to adjust strategy to suit the war situation. Most of the commanders appointed by the President as successors are also excellent officers who have dealt with Russia with former Commander-in-Chief Zaluzny since the 2014 Donbas War and will lead the war well.
Also, life during war is of course very difficult for everyone. However, recent opinion polls show that the people remain firm in their resolve to protect the country for peace for future generations.”
▽Ambassador Crooks
“The British have welcomed more than 140,000 Ukrainian refugees into their homes since the war. “I think this shows the compassion and solidarity the British have towards the Ukrainian people.”
―Are discussions on joining the EU and NATO continuing? Last year, Turkiye and Hungary put the brakes on Finland and Sweden’s accession. Do you think you will be able to persuade them?
▽Ambassador Ponomarenko
“First of all, joining the EU remains the top priority in our foreign policy. Initially, Ukraine’s democratization movement was driven by the desire to return to being a member of ‘Europe’. We have no intention of giving up our membership in the EU because we are still paying the price for this. And after the hard work of politicians, diplomats, and civil society, in December last year, the EU Council finally decided to begin the final process, ‘accession negotiations.’ This gives our people hope to continue the fight against Russian invasion. Recently, Ukraine has become a kind of locomotive driving European integration in the region. After the invasion, Moldova also decided to initiate accession negotiations, and Georgia was also granted accession candidate status.
However, there is still a way to go before joining NATO. Negotiations are still underway on whether the NATO summit to be held in Washington in July will invite Ukraine to join. One thing I want to emphasize is that we are not the only ones who benefit from joining NATO. NATO also gains the most experienced and combat-ready military on the European continent.”
―Is there anything being discussed with allies regarding the ceasefire and post-war arrangements? How long do you expect the war to last in the future?
▽Ambassador Ponomarenko
“First of all, I would like to point out that what Russia says it is willing to negotiate is not ‘peace talks’ but in fact ‘(Ukraine) surrender or occupation talks.’ After plundering part of Ukraine’s territory, Russia is looking to grab more in the future. Our peace formula includes not only an end to Russian hostilities, but also food and energy security, nuclear safety, environmental protection, and respect for human rights and the UN Charter. There can be no peace without complete withdrawal from our territory and fulfillment of these conditions. It was decided to form a working group to draft a detailed peace implementation plan, and representatives from more than 80 countries, including Korea, and international organizations are currently participating in this work.
It is currently difficult to predict when the war will end. The war will continue until the invaders are driven from our land. And the better equipped the Ukrainian army is, the sooner the war will end.”
―Is there anything you want to say to the Korean people?
▽Ambassador Ponomarenko
“I am grateful to Korea, which continues to support us with much-needed medicine and ambulances. Thanks to that, we survived. I will never forget it. Also, the more weapons support we receive from each country, the faster we can drive out Russia. I hope you will continue to stand by our side and support us.”
▽Ambassador Crooks
“It has been two years since I took office as ambassador to Korea, but Korea is a very meaningful country to me, having worked in Korea 30 years ago when I was a young diplomat. Recently, as K-culture has become popular, I feel great joy seeing that people from all over the world have the same affection for Korea.
“I also hope that the Korean people’s support will continue in the future because not only Ukraine and Europe, but also our common values, prosperity, and security are at stake in this war.”
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.