South Korea's red line on arming Ukraine

South Korea is under pressure from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to provide weapons and air defense systems in response to North Korea's growing military support for Russia's war in Ukraine. Seoul should take this request seriously, but it should refrain from providing lethal aid. South Korea has every right to be concerned about the intensifying military alliance between North Korea and Russia.

North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, and the country is allegedly supplying North Korean ballistic missiles and other weapons to the conflict. For Pyongyang, the opportunity to gain valuable combat experience, military expertise, and advanced Russian weaponry is a significant advantage. The potential return of North Korean forces, now better trained in modern warfare tactics, poses a clear security risk to Seoul.

However, this does not necessitate South Korea providing lethal weapons or advanced air defense systems to Ukraine. Seoul's decision to maintain restraint is not a sign of indifference towards Ukraine. Instead, it is a prudent assessment of its own national security. Zelenskyy's plea is understandable. Ukraine is defending its land and sovereignty, and South Korea can sympathize with its plight.