It is approximately 4,700 miles from the Korean peninsula to Ukraine. Yet, it now appears that both North and South Korea are playing a not-so-insignificant role in the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv.
It was reported in September that Russia had resorted to purchasing millions of artillery shells and rockets from North Korea to support its war effort. Now, it appears South Korean ordnance will be aiding Ukraine.
U.S. officials announced on Thursday that the United States would buy 100,000 rounds of 155mm howitzer artillery shells from South Korean manufacturers, which would then be sent to Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported. The deal comes as Ukrainian leaders have pleaded for additional weapons and aid to press their advantage on the battlefield. Kyiv’s counteroffensive is successfully pushing back Russian forces from some areas that have been occupied since Moscow launched its unprovoked invasion in late February.
The deal between Washington and Seoul is also reported to be welcome news to U.S. military leaders – notably those in the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps – who had expressed concerns that the persistent transfer of howitzer ammunition to Ukraine had depleted the Pentagon’s stockpiles. Large quantities of 155mm howitzer shells from the U.S. military have already been supplied, and the U.S. has recently shifted to sending older 105mm ordnance.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member