U.S. says it will welcome ‘any support’ for Ukraine amid S. Korea’s move to reconsider policy
The United States would welcome "any support" for Ukraine in the protracted war with Russia, a State Department spokesperson said Thursday, after South Korea said it will reconsider its policy against lethal arms support to Ukraine. Seoul's National Security Advisor Chang Ho-jin hinted at the possibility of a shift in its policy that has so far allowed only non-lethal assistance to Ukraine, after North Korea and Russia signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty during a summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday. "That is a decision for South Korea to make. That is a decision for every country to make in terms of whether they are going to supply weapons to Ukraine," Matthew Miller, the spokesperson, told a press briefing. "We welcome any support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, but that's ultimately a decision for South Korea," he added. Seoul has so far offered humanitarian and non-lethal defense assistance to Ukraine, including protective suits, demining equipment and other militar y supplies, though pressure has continued for arms support to the country. Seoul's move to reconsider its policy came after Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a treaty expected to further cement their military cooperation that could have security implications on the Korean Peninsula and beyond. Source: Yonhap News Agency