South Korean President sets conditions for giving weapons to Ukraine

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said this in an interview with Reuters, Ukrinform reports.

"If there is a situation the international community cannot condone, such as any large-scale attack on civilians, massacre or serious violation of the laws of war, it might be difficult for us to insist only on humanitarian or financial support," Yoon said.

It is noted that this is the first time since the beginning of the war that Seoul has hinted at the possibility of supplying Ukraine with weapons.

"A key U.S. ally and major producer of artillery ammunition, South Korea has so far tried to avoid antagonising Russia due to its companies operating there and Moscow's influence over North Korea, despite mounting pressure from western countries for weapons supply," Reuters notes.

Yoon also said that his government is looking for ways to help rebuild Ukraine, just as South Korea received international aid during the Korean War in 1950-1953.

"I believe there won't be limitations to the extent of the support to defend and restore a country that's been illegally invaded both under international and domestic law," Yoon said. "However, considering our relationship with the parties engaged in the war and developments in the battlefield, we will take the most appropriate measures," he said.

Next week, Yoon will pay an official visit to the United States to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the alliance with the United States.