South Korea rules out direct artillery supply to Ukraine
The office of the President of South Korea has announced that the country is not considering directly supplying Ukraine with 155 mm artillery shells.
The announcement, as reported by agencies such as Yonhap, responds to media speculations about a change in the South Korean authorities' approach to the war in Ukraine. Although Seoul is deeply concerned about the strengthening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang—particularly with the involvement of South Korean soldiers in Russia—it will not currently depart from its practiced principle of not supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine.
One of the largest ammunition producers in the world
According to South Korean and Ukrainian media, the transfer of 155 mm artillery ammunition was one potential form of aid. According to the Global Firepower ranking, South Korea has the fifth-strongest military in the world. Equally important is the fact that it is one of the largest producers of ammunition, including 155 mm artillery shells.
In the defence plants located in South Korea, not only are basic 155 mm artillery shells containing approximately 6.6 kg of TNT produced—with a range of up to roughly 30 kilometres—but also more advanced shells with cluster warheads and shells with gas generators, which offer greater capabilities (providing a longer range).
Artillery ammunition has proven to be one of the key means used in combat during the war in Ukraine. From the very beginning of this conflict, the Russians have had a significant advantage in the amount of ammunition they possess. Ukraine does receive support from NATO allies, but these reinforcements are insufficient given the needs of the Ukrainian army. This is particularly so because it has received many artillery systems that use 155 mm shells, including the Krab howitzers from Poland, CAESAR from France, and Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) from Germany.
South Korean ammunition delivered through "back channels"?
Information reported in 2023 by sources like The Korea Times indicated that ammunition from South Korea significantly assists Ukrainians, although it is supplied indirectly. South Korea reportedly supplies the United States with artillery shells to fill gaps in American reserves created by shipments to Ukraine. A similar scenario could occur now. The second option is to send South Korean artillery shells to Ukraine, but not directly; rather, through an intermediary country.
