South Korea Declines Ukraine’s Weapons Request, According to Local Media

South Korea has declined Ukraine’s request to purchase the Cheongung air defense system and other military equipment, citing legal restrictions on exporting weapons to active war zones, according to South Korean broadcaster SBS on November 28.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov recently met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and the Minister of National Defense to discuss potential arms sales.

During the talks, Ukraine expressed interest in acquiring the Cheongung medium-range surface-to-air ballistic missile interception system.

The South Korean government clarified that Ukraine’s request focused on non-lethal systems, including the Cheongung, local air defense radars, and anti-artillery radars.

However, the export of weapons to Ukraine is complicated by a high risk of violating South Korean foreign trade laws that restrict exports to war zones.

Earlier, President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that South Korea may reconsider its stance on supplying arms to Ukraine amid growing cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.