In Seoul, members of the Ukrainian delegation held talks with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and the country's Minister of Defense Kim Yong-keun.
Journalists report that the Ukrainians requested permission to purchase (rather than receive for free) South Korean weapons, including medium-range surface-to-air missiles of the Cheongung class.
A source from the South Korean government explained that Ukraine is seeking non-lethal weapons. In addition to the Cheongung interceptor missiles, the Ukrainians were interested in radars for air defense and counter-battery purposes. They also requested shells for 155mm artillery rounds that "make the projectiles fly."
Major South Korean defense companies, including LIG Nex1, Hanwha, and Hyundai Rotem, have also received proposals from Ukraine for cooperation in arms procurement, but, according to SBS News, the South Korean Ministry of Defense advised businesses to refrain from signing contracts.
The reason for the refusal is allegedly the "high risk of violating foreign trade laws that restrict exports to combat zones."
Moreover, journalists note that Seoul finds it challenging to assist Ukraine "without aligning with the elected U.S. President Donald Trump," who promised to put an end to the war.