Ukraine Faces Rejection Over Patriot Missiles from South Korea

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has again shown interest in South Korean weapons, mentioning 105mm artillery shells as desired support materials for the first time after the South Korean government rejected its supply request for Patriot Missiles (anti-ballistic missiles).

On the 22nd of last month, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense sent an official letter to the South Korean government detailing the necessary materials for the current theater.

This letter is believed to be in response to the South Korean government’s recent refusal to support Ukraine with Patriot Missiles and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in the U.S. suggesting Korea’s 105mm artillery shell support.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense stated, “Our defense forces are effectively using all types of weapons and military equipment received from allied countries to repel Russia’s blind force attacks,” and explained, “The use of the L119 howitzer for 105mm artillery shells, which is characterized by high accuracy and good mobility, is an example.”

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense continued, “The current front-line situation is difficult. We are lacking not only basic artillery shells but also long-range missiles and other weapons, which is diminishing our military’s capabilities,” and repeatedly emphasized, “Regaining firepower is crucial for the Ukrainian defense forces, and we are in dire need of a various range of modern weapons.” The Ministry continued, “If the necessary military support is further delayed, the war situation could become more difficult for us.”

The Ministry also listed urgently needed items, including the latest air defense system proven effective in Israel, long-range missiles for Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), and multi-purpose drones. However, it is reported that they avoided the direct rhetoric used by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba last time, who said, “Please support us with Patriots.”

Earlier, Minister Kuleba had requested the South Korean government to provide Patriot Missiles, citing the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia as an example. Upon hearing the news, the Korean government reiterated its existing position of not supporting lethal weapons and expressed its intention to reject the request. At the time, some pointed out that Ukraine’s request for Patriot Missiles was somewhat excessive.

Afterward, CSIS suggested in its report that if South Korea indirectly supports Ukraine with 105mm artillery shells through the U.S., the U.S. could reciprocate with 155mm artillery shells.

CSIS explained, “The type of artillery shell that Korea can most comfortably use is confirmed to be 105mm,” and “The 3.4 million shells held by the Korean military can be compatible with all 105mm howitzers used by Ukraine.” It added, “Less than 30% of the howitzers operated by the South Korean military use 105mm,” and “Lending these weapons will not at all damage South Korea’s military war readiness posture.”

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense also emphasized the need for cooperation to drive the growth of the country’s defense industry. The Ministry explained, “Our manufacturers are facing serious challenges in launching and producing new equipment and weapons,” and “It is important to establish a joint production system for weapons in collaboration with allied countries and to sign long-term contracts in the form of an international consortium.”

It further emphasized, “Supporting the weapons needed for our war and sending more investment will serve as a safety measure against the prolongation or escalation of the war.”

A Department of Defense official responded diplomatically to a question about whether the U.S. Department of Defense would support Ukraine, as the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggested, stating, “This is a matter between Ukraine and South Korea.”

Since the start of the war, the position that the U.S. maintains is that each allied country decides regarding support for Ukraine.

However, the U.S. is known to mediate the support of allied countries behind the scenes. The Wall Street Journal, a U.S. economic and political media outlet, previously reported that South Korea is supporting Ukraine with 155mm artillery shells through the U.S.

The Washington Post also reported earlier this year that the U.S., deeply involved in Ukraine’s spring offensive plan, requested the South Korean military to provide 155mm artillery shells, which it accepted. However, they added that whether the shells were delivered through a third country or directly to Ukraine is unclear.