In today’s globalized world, it is no longer possible to stand on the sidelines, hoping to wait out problems somewhere else on the planet. Events in Ukraine have a significant impact on developments around the world. What Ukraine is experiencing now – the aggression of authoritarian, inadequate neighbors – may well happen to other countries, such as South Korea or Taiwan.
That is why, in the face of a common threat, allies with common values always come together. After all, it is only possible to defeat aggressors (real or potential) by uniting. Ukraine and South Korea have common enemies – the new “axis of evil” that is being formed right now – Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
North Korea threatens its neighboring countries by testing long-range weapons, including ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It also supplies ammunition to the Russian Federation despite all embargoes and sanctions. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is following the war in Ukraine very closely. If Kyiv falls, it will become an invitation for him to attack his southern neighbors.
Seoul is well aware that its future depends on how the war against Ukraine ends. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said North Korea’s weapons support for Russia affects not only the security of Europe but also that of the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region, adding that the transfer of military technology by Moscow and the supply of refined oil to Pyongyang will threaten the global nonproliferation regime.
That is why South Korea quickly chose its side. Currently, Seoul is very active in supporting Ukraine: recently it pledged to donate $2.3 billion to Ukraine. Starting already in 2024. Also, Seoul will offer $12 million for the rehabilitation of wounded Ukrainian soldiers through the NATO trust fund for assistance to Ukraine. Earlier, Ukraine received 100 ambulance vehicles from the Korean government. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Korea has repeatedly helped Ukraine’s healthcare system by sending vaccines, medical devices, and medicines. And on December 2023 Seoul donated a batch of special demining equipment to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. The humanitarian aid package includes 10 demining machines manufactured by the Croatian company DOK-ING.
So it is very clear who is on the right side of history. Therefore, other countries should join in helping Ukraine by imposing sanctions against the aggressors, fighting the Kremlin’s influence, providing military and humanitarian aid, and supporting Kyiv at the diplomatic level.
