Yoon says S. Korea could provide non-humanitarian aid to Ukraine
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Loading... - Chul-soon Kwag
- 19 Apr 2023
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UPDATES with statement from Russian Embassy in Seoul at bottom)
By Lee Haye-ah.
President Yoon Suk Yeol has said South Korea could provide aid beyond humanitarian or financial support if Ukraine comes under a large-scale attack against civilians, according to an interview published Wednesday. Yoon made the remark in the interview with Reuters ahead of an upcoming state visit to the United States, signaling a shift in Seoul's policy of not providing lethal weapons to Ukraine in its war with Russia.
"If there is a situation the international community cannot condone, such as any large-scale attacks on civilians, massacres or serious violations of the laws of war, it might be difficult for us to insist only on humanitarian or financial support," Yoon said, according to Reuters. The South Korean government has been looking at ways to help defend and rebuild Ukraine, and will take "the most appropriate measures" after considering its relationship with parties engaged in the war and developments on the battlefield, he said.
"I believe there won't be limitations to the extent of the support to defend and restore a country that's been illegally invaded both under international and domestic law," Yoon said. The presidential office dismissed speculation Yoon was alluding to a change in policy regarding aid to Ukraine.
"The government's position has not changed," a presidential official told Yonhap News Agency, noting the conditions Yoon attached to expanding aid. "The international community has high expectations of South Korea's role, and his answer was given in that context." Read More…
