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South Korea Explores Joining NATO’s PURL Initiative to Support Ukraine
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South Korea is exploring the possibility of joining a NATO-led initiative, the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), which is designed to facilitate the purchase of US weapons for Ukraine, according to diplomatic sources reported by The Korea Times on February 20.
Should South Korea choose to participate, it could deepen its defense ties with Europe, as Seoul looks to increase its arms sales to NATO member states. This development would also intensify tensions with Russia, which has consistently opposed NATO’s involvement in the ongoing war in Ukraine, as reported by the outlet.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea confirmed it is “in continued discussions with NATO on various ways to support Ukraine,” in response to reports suggesting that South Korea is considering joining the PURL initiative.
An official from the ministry confirmed that NATO had approached South Korea with a request to join the support mechanism. However, they highlighted that Seoul’s focus in assisting Ukraine remains on “humanitarian aid and other nonlethal military equipment,” without elaborating on whether the country is leaning toward joining the PURL program.
In related developments, the UK has committed to joining NATO’s arms-buying scheme for Ukraine, pledging $204 million to the PURL, as reported by Politico on February 11.
“I’m pleased to confirm the UK is committing £150 million ($204 million) to PURL,” British Defense Secretary John Healey said. “Together we must provide Ukraine with the critical air defense it needs in response to Putin’s brutal onslaught.”
The PURL The Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) is a NATO-led initiative created to address Ukraine's urgent defense needs in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion.
It emerged as a response to the rapidly escalating conflict, focusing on facilitating the purchase of critical military equipment, particularly air defense systems, from the United States and other NATO allies.
Earlier, Latvia committed $11 million to purchase US-made weapons for Ukraine through NATO's PURL initiative.
During a government meeting, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa confirmed that Latvia had approved the allocation in aid for Ukraine. The funds will be directed to help procure American-made weapons for the Ukrainian military.
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