Seoul: Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov refrained from commenting on whether he sought weapons aid from South Korea during a special delegation meeting with President Yoon Suk Yeol. Umerov arrived at Seoul's defense ministry late Wednesday for discussions with his South Korean counterpart, Kim Yong-hyun. However, he declined to answer a Yonhap News Agency inquiry regarding the potential weapons aid request during his talks with Yoon.According to Yonhap News Agency, the presidential office released a statement indicating that Umerov's delegation met with President Yoon to exchange intelligence concerning the increasing military collaboration between Russia and North Korea. The discussions also included joint strategies to address emerging security threats. Additionally, the delegation engaged in separate discussions with National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik and Defense Chief Kim to exchange intelligence on North Korean troops stationed in Russia and expressed aspirations for enhanced future coopera tion with South Korea.The visit by Umerov's delegation occurred amidst speculation that a request for South Korean weapons might be made, following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's prior mention of a need for anti-aircraft missiles and artillery systems to counter Russian aggressions. President Yoon has indicated that South Korea might consider arms support for Ukraine, contingent on the level of military collaboration between Pyongyang and Moscow.
- October 12, 2026
