Trump's victory forces Seoul to reconsider arms sales to Ukraine: Could have a big impact on the war – Bloomberg

After Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election, South Korea will have to reconsider its position in the context of providing assistance to Ukraine. Seoul is also considering how Trump's approach to the war will affect support for Ukraine among many countries.

The current government of South Korea does not rule out changing the policy of refusing to send lethal aid to Kyiv. This was reported by Bloomberg.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that South Korea is unlikely to start supplying ammunition to Ukraine unless the DPRK takes further action to support Russia. Seoul also intends to monitor how Trump will act on Ukraine when he completes the transition from the election campaign to the White House.

According to Kim Jeong, a professor of political science at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, it would be quite embarrassing at this stage if South Korea, which is not a NATO member, changed its position when Trump comes to the White House and wants to withdraw from the conflict.

The South Korean government will consider possible scenarios of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea after Pyongyang deploys troops and takes countermeasures. Seoul said it would closely coordinate with allies and partners in this process.

Seoul has long resisted calls from its Western allies to use its vast military reserves and directly send weapons or ammunition to Ukraine, preferring instead to help Kyiv with non-lethal aid. However, North Korea's deployment of up to 12,000 troops in Russia has changed this position.

Analysts say that South Korea's transfer of lethal weapons to Kyiv would mean strong support for Ukraine and a major impact on the course of the war. It could also benefit South Korean business if it takes part in Ukraine's post-war recovery. At the same time, Seoul fears that this step will anger Moscow, exacerbate the conflict, and provoke further provocations from Pyongyang.

As a reminder, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul called on United Nations officials to "strongly condemn" North Korea's actions. This refers to the DPRK's assistance to the Russians in the war against Ukraine.

Earlier it was reported that after North Korea's involvement in the Russian-Ukrainian war, South Korea may adjust its strategy of supporting Ukraine. In particular, Seoul does not rule out direct arms supplies to the Ukrainian army.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!