Reports of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine appear to be motivating South Korea to provide weapons to the Ukrainians for the first time, which could be a boon to Kyiv at a tough moment in the grinding war.
While firmly aligned with the U.S. and a supporter of Ukraine, South Korea has so far declined to provide lethal aid for its war effort, although Seoul has sent humanitarian packages, including medical supplies, to Kyiv.
South Korea has backfilled the military stocks of countries, providing equipment and ammunition for Ukraine, such as the U.S. But on Tuesday, Seoul said it would take “phased measures” against Pyongyang and Moscow, with a senior presidential official saying this could include “offensive” weapons for Ukraine.
This would mark a significant change in policy for Seoul, and it comes as Kyiv is trying to keep its artillery systems firing and air defense systems stocked with interceptor missiles. More than two …