Defense Minister Umerov and President Yoon Suk Yeol hold meeting amid South Korean public rejection of providing weapons to Ukraine

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during his visit to South Korea.

Sky News, referring to a report by the South Korean presidential office, and Reuters informed about this.

According to reports, Umerov is currently in South Korea to discuss the possibility of providing Ukraine with offensive weapons. This has renewed interest due to recent reports that North Korean soldiers are taking part in the conflict alongside Russian forces.

Umerov is expected to present data on North Korea's cooperation with Russia and call for support for Ukraine.

Reuters notes that according to polls, South Koreans are opposed to direct arms supplies to Ukraine, despite renewed international requests from Kyiv and allied capitals after it was reported that North Korean troops are helping Russia.

According to sources, Kyiv will present a list of requests, which will include:

• air defense systems;
• artillery systems.

Before, South Korea only gave Ukraine non-lethal aid. However, President Yun Suk Yeol's recent remarks suggest a potential shift in this stance. Specifically, he mentioned the possibility of South Korea providing weapons to Ukraine based on the evolving circumstances.

It should be noted that Deputy National Security Advisor Kim Tae-hyo pointed out that South Korea intends to take "phased measures" in response to the deepening of military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia. This is due to North Korea's decision to send its military personnel to the Russian Federation to support its military efforts.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov arrived in the South Korean capital, Seoul, with a delegation. The head of the defense department is expected to hold negotiations there on providing military assistance to Kyiv.

For reference:

Since the commencement of the all-out war, Ukraine has not received any military aid from South Korea. However, Seoul's stance on this matter started to shift when North Korea dispatched troops to assist Russia in the war with Ukrainian defenders.

South Korea has announced its plans to take "phased measures" in light of the growing military alliance between North Korea and Russia. One potential measure being considered is providing offensive and defensive weapons to Ukraine.

On October 29, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke by telephone with South Korea's President Yun Suk Yeol. They agreed to intensify contacts at all levels and strengthen the exchange of intelligence regarding Russia's involvement of North Korean military personnel in the war against Ukraine.

South Korea has provided Ukraine with non-lethal assistance, including demining equipment, but still refuses to respond to Kyiv's requests for weapons supplies.