South Korea may expand its support to Ukraine beyond humanitarian and economic aid if Ukraine suffers a large-scale attack on its civilian population.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol made this statement on the eve of an official visit to the United States next week, according to reports Reuters.
"If a situation arises that the international community cannot tolerate, such as any large-scale attack on civilians, mass murder, or serious violations of the laws of war, it may be difficult for us to insist on humanitarian or financial support alone."
This was the first time, the publication notes, when Seoul expressed readiness to provide weapons to Ukraine, more than a year after ruling out the possibility of providing lethal aid.
A key U.S. ally and major producer of artillery munitions, South Korea has so far tried to avoid confrontation with Russia over its companies operating there and Moscow's influence over North Korea, despite growing pressure from Western countries for arms supplies.
Reuters quoted him as saying that there can be no limits on supporting the defense and reconstruction of a country that has been illegally invaded under international and domestic law.
According to the agency, Yoon Seok-yeol said his government is studying ways to protect and rebuild Ukraine, just as South Korea received international aid after the 1950-1953 Korean War.
However, South Korea will take into account its relations with the warring parties and the events on the battlefield and take "the most appropriate measures," he explained.
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