Seoul reaffirms Ukraine commitment with $100 million non-lethal aid pledge

South Korea has pledged $100 million in non-lethal assistance to Ukraine on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Türkiye, reaffirming its commitment to supporting international peace and security.

Speaking at a press briefing in Ankara, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said the package expands Seoul's existing humanitarian support for Ukraine, The Chosun reports.

“We have demonstrated our commitment to contributing to international peace and security through action,” Wi said.

He added: “We have consistently supported Ukraine through various channels, including humanitarian aid, and this $100 million pledge is an expansion of our contributions in that context.”

Wi stressed that the assistance package does not include lethal weapons, underscoring South Korea's continued policy on military aid.

“As a global responsible power, the Republic of Korea will continue to join international efforts to end the horrific war as soon as possible and restore peaceful daily life,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings on July 7 with the leaders of several NATO member states, including Norway, the Netherlands, and Romania, on the sidelines of the summit.

According to Wi, strengthening defense industry cooperation is expected to be a key topic of discussion.

“Given the occasion of the NATO summit, we expect discussions on enhancing defense industry cooperation with each country to be a key agenda item,” he said.

The presidential office said President Lee's meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is expected to focus on renewable energy and supply chains, while talks with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof are likely to center on advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and batteries. Discussions with the Romanian president are expected to cover expanded cooperation in nuclear energy and infrastructure development.

By Vafa Guliyeva