Zelensky requested anti-aircraft systems from South Korea
Ukraine "desperately hopes" that South Korea will provide it with defensive military equipment, such as anti-aircraft systems to defend against Russian attacks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with a South Korean newspaper.
Zelensky thanked South Korea for its promise to send demining vehicles and humanitarian aid worth a total of about $230 million, but said Ukraine wanted anti-aircraft and early warning systems, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported on Tuesday.
"I know there are many restrictions on weapons support, but these principles should not apply to defense systems and equipment to protect our assets. The anti-aircraft system is not a weapon, but purely defensive equipment. We must have a heavenly shield for the reconstruction of Ukraine, and I desperately hope that South Korea will support us in that area," Zelensky said to the mentioned newspaper.
He noted that South Korea's early warning system would help defend his country against Russian airstrikes. A US ally and major arms exporter, South Korea has so far ruled out sending military aid to Ukraine, despite growing pressure from Washington and Europe over business ties with Russia and Moscow's influence over North Korea.