Ukraine wanted to buy arms from South Korea that would help in confronting the Russian army, but Seoul refused, South Korea’s SBS News reported.
According to the publication, the Ukrainian delegation asked for authorization to purchase Korean weapons, not a free transfer. In particular, Cheongung medium-range surface-to-air missiles.
According to the source, Ukraine asked for non-lethal weapons. In addition to Cheongung interceptor missiles, the Ukrainians were interested in radars – for air defense and anti-artillery. The Ukrainians also requested charges for 155mm artillery shells.
It is likely that Korean defense companies such as LIG Nex1, Hanwha and Hyundai Rotem have received offers from Ukraine to cooperate on arms purchases. But the South Korean Defense Ministry recommended them to refrain from signing contracts. The reason for the refusal is allegedly “a high risk of violating foreign trade laws restricting exports to combat zones”.
As reported, a Ukrainian delegation headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov visited Seoul earlier this week.
A group of Ukrainian lawmakers will travel to Seoul next month, Yonhap reports, citing a representative of the South Korean ruling party Power of the People.
“As far as I know, their visit to South Korea will take place around July 4,” a party spokesman said on condition of anonymity.
He noted that the number of participants in the Ukrainian delegation will be identical to the composition of the South Korean delegation that visited Kyiv in June.
According to sources, the Ukrainian delegation is expected to be headed by MP Andriy Nikolaenko.
One of the main topics of discussion will be humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
On Tuesday, Seoul approved the allocation of additional $30 million in humanitarian aid to Kyiv.
It is specified that these funds will be used to provide medicines and food, but not weapons.
South Korea plans to allocate an additional $20 million, which will increase the total amount of South Korean assistance to Ukraine to $100 million, the agency said.
