A Ukrainian delegation, headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, travelled to South Korea this week to request weapons aid for use in its ongoing war with Russia, according to various media reports. While the South Korean government has yet to confirm the visit officially, reports suggest the delegation has met with National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik to discuss the conflict in Ukraine.

According to Reuters, the delegation is reportedly scheduled to meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol as early as Wednesday, according to sources cited by the Yonhap news agency. However, both President Yoon’s office and South Korea’s Ministry of Defence declined to confirm the arrival of the Ukrainian delegation or comment on the reported meetings.

The visit follows earlier remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who, in an October interview with South Korea’s KBS, stated that Kyiv planned to submit a detailed request for military aid. Ukraine’s request reportedly includes artillery and advanced air defense systems, which it deems crucial in countering intensified Russian attacks on its infrastructure.


In a recent meeting with defense ministers from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland, Umerov highlighted Ukraine’s pressing need for air defense systems and additional artillery ammunition. The meeting, as reported by Ukrainian media, focused on assessing Ukraine’s urgent defense requirements amidst escalating Russian aggression.

South Korea, a rising global arms producer, has thus far refrained from supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine. Instead, it has provided non-lethal aid such as demining equipment. However, the country faces mounting pressure from Western allies and Ukraine to shift its stance and contribute lethal military aid.

Earlier this month, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul acknowledged the possibility of reassessing Seoul’s policy on arms support to Ukraine. He stated that South Korea would monitor North Korea’s involvement in aiding Russia, including the scale of North Korean troop participation and the nature of reciprocal support Moscow provides to Pyongyang.