Ukrainian expert urges South Korea to boost support against Russia
Vladislav Seleznyov, a military expert and former spokesman for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, criticized South Korea's approach to the war in Ukraine. He argues that a country with one of the strongest armies in the world could contribute more to support the defenders fighting against Russia.
Seleznyov believes that bolstering the Ukrainian army aligns with South Korea's interests. These statements primarily concern North Korea's actions, which strongly support Russia and anticipate numerous benefits, including economic and military support, potentially leading to significant threats to South Korea.
Ukrainian expert criticizes South Korean authorities
"Currently, our friends and partners in Seoul are involved in internal political disputes and games instead of allocating additional forces and resources to enhance the Ukrainian army. It is clear that the more North Korean armed forces are diminished on the battlefields of the Russo-Ukrainian war, the fewer threats South Korea will face in the future," said Vladislav Seleznyov, as quoted by the Unian agency.
According to Global Firepower's rankings, South Korea possesses the fifth strongest army in the world, and many of the resources stored in its warehouses are considered equipment that could significantly assist the Ukrainian army. South Korea is a leading producer of artillery ammunition, including 6-inch shells used in many NATO equipment deployments to the front as part of aid to Ukraine, as well as 4-inch shells.
South Korea's heavy military equipment includes many domestic solutions, as well as weapons from the United States and older Soviet-era equipment, which plays an increasingly minor role. Seoul has begun using T-80U tanks and BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles as training targets for drones, although observers believe such equipment could still be beneficial for Ukrainians.
Moscow's biggest ally
Seleznyov emphasized that North Korea is Moscow's biggest ally, providing extensive support. This situation involves not only ammunition and military equipment but also manpower. In Russia's Kursk region, several thousand North Korean soldiers have been deployed. Selezniow warns that they should not be underestimated because, despite their lack of equipment and training, they "adapt to modern warfare quite quickly."
Initially, Pyongyang primarily supplied Moscow with artillery ammunition (in 2024, they provided more than all of Europe gives to Ukraine). Over time, the support expanded to include soldiers sent to the Kursk region, as well as heavy military equipment, such as multiple rocket launchers and M1989 "Koksan" systems.
