South Korea Pledges $100 Million in Aid to Ukraine, No Lethal Weapons

(CNA Ankara, July 8 - Reuters) South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, during his attendance at the NATO summit, pledged comprehensive aid worth $100 million to Ukraine. However, the South Korean government, adhering to a humanitarian aid stance, has clearly stated that it will not provide lethal weapons to Ukraine.

According to the Seoul Economic Daily, National Security Advisor Wi Sung-rak briefed the media at the press center in Ankara, Turkey today on the outcomes of the NATO summit.

Wi Sung-rak stated, "By pledging comprehensive aid of $100 million (approximately NT$3.16 billion) to Ukraine, we have demonstrated our resolve to contribute to international peace and security through our actions."

He pointed out, "We have continuously supported Ukraine through various channels, including humanitarian aid, and this pledged $100 million in aid is an expansion of our contributions on that previous foundation... To bring this brutal war to an end as soon as possible and restore peaceful lives, South Korea, as a responsible major power, will continue to contribute alongside the international community."

Regarding the possibility of providing "lethal weapons," Wi Sung-rak also drew a clear line. A high-ranking official from the Presidential Office emphasized, "Our stance on aid to Ukraine remains the same as in the past; we do not provide lethal weapons," but rather offer "various forms of assistance in multiple sectors, though specific details of the aid have not yet been finalized."

Furthermore, Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to hold bilateral summits with leaders of NATO member states, including Norway, the Netherlands, and Romania, on the 8th. Wi Sung-rak said, "Taking this opportunity to attend the NATO summit, how to expand cooperation with various countries in the defense industry will be the focus of these bilateral talks."

Bilateral cooperation between South Korea and various NATO countries is expected to focus on different areas. Cooperation with Norway will focus on renewable energy and related supply chains, with the Netherlands on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and batteries, and with Romania, discussions will cover expanding cooperation in nuclear energy and infrastructure. (Compiled by: Chang Ming-hsuan) 1150708

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