The Ukrainian government, which was invaded by Russia, requested the South Korean government to provide support for a number of weapons, including portable anti-tank and surface-to-air missiles, but it was confirmed that the South Korean military authorities refused.
According to a military source on the 11th, Ukrainian defense secretary Olexi Rezhnikov called Defense Minister Seouk Seok on the 8th and explained the situation on the local battlefield, and then mentioned a number of ‘weapons list’ that need immediate support, such as anti-tank weapons and portable surface-to-air missiles. do.
In particular, it is known that he mentioned the ‘Singung (portable surface-to-air missile)’ and ‘Hyeongung (portable anti-tank guided weapon)’ possessed by the South Korean military as powers that need immediate support to catch Russian fighters and tanks. Countries belonging to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), such as the United States, also provided thousands of portable anti-tank and surface-to-air guided weapons to Ukraine right following the invasion of Russia. These forces have been effective in stopping Russia’s large-scale tanks and fighters as well as troops from the beginning of the war. A source said, “Ukraine is trying to secure as many portable anti-tank and surface-to-air weapons as possible to prepare for a further Russian invasion.”
In addition to the two weapons, Rezhnikov is said to have mentioned several types of ground weapons that the Ukrainian army needs right away. It is speculated that the request may have included firearms for infantry such as rifles, machine guns and grenades.
Portable anti-tank weapon ‘Hyungung’.However, it is said that the ‘Cheongung’ ground-to-air missile mentioned by some was not included in Ukraine’s list of requests for assistance. Cheongung consists of a launch pad, a launch control station, and missiles, and can intercept both enemy ballistic missiles and aircraft. A source said, “Cheongung is not easy to transport due to the large size of the weapon system, and it is not a weapon system that can be provided to other countries from a strategic and tactical point of view.”
However, it is said that the South Korean military authorities rejected the request of the Ukrainian government, maintaining the existing position that it cannot provide lethal weapons. The military authorities said, “We have provided non-lethal military supplies, such as bulletproof helmets, to the Ukraine side so far, and we will consider additional support in that direction in the future.”
Earlier on the 8th, the military authorities disclosed the fact that the defense ministers of Korea and Ukraine were talking on the phone, but did not mention the fact that the Ukrainian government requested weapons.
By Yoon Sang-ho, military reporter ysh1005@donga.com
Reporter Shin Shin-jin newjin@donga.com
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