[우크라戰 격화]
Position statement on “reviewing weapons support” at the time of dispatching troops to North Korea
Caution appears to be turning to the Trump variable.
Russia condemns North Korea-Russia cooperation ahead of G20 meeting
The Yoon Seok-yeol government, which had been considering providing arms support to Ukraine, found itself in a dilemma. Initially, a ‘step-by-step response’ was being considered, leaving open the possibility of supporting lethal weapons in line with the tone of the U.S. Joe Biden administration, but a major variable such as ‘Donald Trump’s election’ arose. President-elect Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to end the Ukraine war early since he was a presidential candidate, and Congressman Michael Waltz, who was appointed as the White House national security adviser, is also concerned about the possibility of Korea’s intervention in the war. While the President’s Office openly criticizes North Korea-Russia military cooperation, it appears to be cautiously watching the issue of arms support to Ukraine, as if keeping in mind the tone of the second Trump administration.
● “For weapons support to Ukraine, we need to hear what the special envoys have to say first.”
A high-ranking official from the Presidential Office met with reporters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the 18th (local time) and said, “Korea should also look closely and pay attention to the issue of supplementing Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the future.” However, in response to a question about the plan to support weapons to Ukraine, he responded, “Such discussions are being held in NATO and the Biden administration,” and “Our country will have to receive the Ukrainian special envoy first and listen to what they have to say to find out.”
This is somewhat different from the position put forward by the government a month ago, when the issue of sending troops to North Korea rose rapidly. Previously, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office Kim Tae-hyo said on the 22nd of last month, “We will implement step-by-step response measures according to the progress of North Korea-Russia military cooperation,” and two days later, President Yoon also said, “Depending on the activities of the North Korean military, we will directly use lethal weapons.” He emphasized, “The general principle of no support can also be flexibly reviewed.” On the 30th of last month, a senior official in the Presidential Office said, “The next step is for the North Korean military to begin fighting,” and also hinted at a de facto “red line” related to weapons support.
Since then, even though it has been confirmed that North Korean troops engaged in combat, no specific measures related to the ‘next step’ have been taken. There is an interpretation that the government may have returned to ‘cautious mode’ amid concerns that this could conflict with Trump’s second term.
The government also refrained from commenting on the Biden administration’s approval of Ukraine’s use of the ATACMS, a long-range missile capable of striking the Russian mainland, saying, “The decision was shared in advance.” A senior official in the Presidential Office said on this day, “There is no need for our country to directly participate in this issue.” He also said, “The ROK-US alliance can exchange as many weapons systems as necessary, but with regard to Ukraine, no decision has been made yet and no specific discussions have begun.”
● Yu condemns “immediate cessation of North Korea-Russia military cooperation”
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an amendment to the nuclear doctrine on this day, which considers a ’joint attack’ when there is the participation or support of a nuclear weapons state, even if it is a non-nuclear weapon state. It has laid the groundwork for nuclear retaliation against Western nuclear powers such as the United States, Britain, and France, which support Ukraine.
- great
- 0dog
- I’m sad
- 0dog
- I’m angry
- 0dog
- I recommend it
- dog
Hot news now
How might potential changes in U.S. administration impact South Korea’s foreign policy decisions regarding the Ukraine conflict?
Time.news Interview with Dr. Jane Kim, Political Analyst on the Ukraine Conflict and East Asia Dynamics
Editor (James): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kim. Let’s dive right into the current situation. The Yoon Seok-yeol government appears to be grappling with its stance on arms support for Ukraine amidst rising tensions in the region, especially with the Russian-North Korean military cooperation. What is your assessment of South Korea’s current strategy?
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me, James. It’s indeed a delicate balancing act for the Yoon administration. On one hand, they are eager to align with U.S. and NATO positions on supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. On the other, they are keenly aware of the geopolitical shifts that could be catalyzed by Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency, which complicates their military support considerations.
James: That’s an interesting point. The article mentions that a senior official indicated South Korea will “hear what the special envoys have to say” before making any decisions on arms support for Ukraine. Why do you think they are taking such a cautious approach?
Dr. Kim: Caution stems from various factors. First, South Korea’s political landscape is turbulent, especially with the uncertainty surrounding U.S. foreign policy under a new Trump administration. Should Trump take a hard-line stance against continued support to Ukraine, South Korea might find itself isolated or at odds with previous commitments. Second, they are deeply concerned about how actions might impact their own security landscape, given North Korea’s unpredictable behavior and the alliance dynamics in East Asia.
James: The government initially seemed more aggressive when discussing the potential for responding to North Korean military cooperation with Russia. Now, it seems to have reverted to a more measured stance. What might have caused this shift?
Dr. Kim: The shift likely reflects a recalibrating of priorities based on both domestic and international pressures. After the Korean military made its combat readiness public, it appears that the administration took a step back to reassess the implications of any military commitment. Their initial rhetoric was perhaps more about posturing to assert their stance but lacked concrete strategic backing. It’s a classic case of political caution in response to changing circumstances.
James: President Yoon’s statements at the G20 summit calling for an end to illegal military cooperation between North Korea and Russia seemed quite pointed. How important is this condemnation at such global platforms?
Dr. Kim: It’s crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it positions South Korea as a defender of international norms against aggression. By publicly condemning North Korea-Russia cooperation, Yoon reinforces South Korea’s commitments to global security, which may bolster alliances with Western countries. Moreover, it highlights a commitment to curtailing rogue state activities, which resonates with the international community and enhances diplomatic leverage.
James: how will the evolving nature of U.S.-Korea relations, especially with potential shifts in U.S. administration policies, impact South Korea’s decisions in this area?
Dr. Kim: The direction of U.S.-Korea relations will be pivotal. If Trump returns to power and shifts policy towards a less confrontational stance towards Russia, South Korea may be forced into strategic realignment, limiting its military support for Ukraine. On the other hand, if the Biden administration continues to prioritize supporting Ukraine robustly, South Korea could find itself pushing stronger military ties with NATO allies. Ultimately, South Korea must navigate these complex dynamics with a lens on both its regional security needs and its commitments to international partnerships.
James: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Kim. As the situation continues to evolve, keeping an eye on these interactions will be crucial for understanding the broader implications for both East Asia and global security.
Dr. Kim: Thank you, James. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these pressing issues.