The recent U.S. presidential election victory of Donald Trump may lead South Korea to reconsider its stance on supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine, reports Bloomberg.
South Korea’s government, led by President Yoon Seok-yeol, may need to weigh Trump's potential approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict as it evaluates its long-standing policy against sending arms to Kyiv.
One South Korean official noted that the government is closely observing Trump’s views on the conflict, as they could influence broader international support for Ukraine.
Current signals indicate that South Korea may be hesitant to shift its policy on weapon exports to Ukraine, though North Korea’s increasing involvement in the war or clearer indications of Trump's stance could push Seoul toward reconsideration.
Kim Jun, a political science professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, explained that for South Korea, which is not part of NATO, involvement in the conflict would be challenging if Trump, as president, adopts a more isolationist position on Ukraine.
South Korea possesses a significant stockpile of 155mm artillery shells, a NATO standard munition used by Ukrainian forces, and exporting these weapons would signal strong support for Ukraine.
In addition to showing solidarity, this decision could open doors for South Korean companies to participate in Ukraine’s eventual reconstruction.
However, such a move might provoke Moscow and risk escalation, including possible retaliatory measures by North Korea.
The Biden administration would likely welcome South Korea’s support for Ukraine, but Trump’s position, if clarified, may ultimately influence Seoul’s decision on arms transfers to Kyiv.
President Yoon has previously stated that he is open to the idea of providing weapons to Ukraine under certain conditions.
