South Korea considers providing more 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine

North Korea has increased its military support for Russia, prompting South Korea to consider providing more artillery shells to Ukraine. According to KFN News, on October 21, North Korea dispatched about 1,500 elite special forces to Russia, amid deepening military ties between the two countries. This action has raised concerns in South Korea, forcing Seoul to consider increasing its support for Ukraine by providing more 155mm artillery shells through the United States.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has confirmed that around 12,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia's Far East since early October. Satellite images have shown the presence of Russian naval vessels at North Korean ports, raising suspicions that they are transporting North Korean troops to take part in the conflict in Ukraine. In response, the South Korean government summoned the Russian ambassador to Seoul to express its concerns, demanding that Russia immediately withdraw North Korean forces from Ukraine.

"South Korea will respond with all possible means, together with the international community, to any action that threatens our core security interests," First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun said during a meeting with the Russian ambassador. (Photo source: South Korean Ministry of National Defense)

South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun stressed that military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is a serious threat not only to South Korea but also to the entire international community. He warned that South Korea will cooperate with its international partners to strongly respond to any actions that could harm national security. Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador to South Korea Georgy Zinoviev dismissed these concerns, asserting that military cooperation with North Korea is in full compliance with international law and is not aimed at destabilizing the Korean Peninsula.

In addition, the situation of supplying weapons to Ukraine is also of particular concern. South Korea provided 500,000 155mm artillery shells to the US last year, which were then transferred to Ukraine. Given the current complicated developments, Seoul is considering providing more artillery shells to Ukraine. Defense officials say that the number of artillery shells that Ukraine can receive will significantly determine the outcome of the conflict with Russia.

Maintaining supplies of 155mm artillery shells is becoming a challenge for both South Korea and Ukraine. The Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which has focused on artillery, has left Ukraine needing up to 75,000 shells per month to maintain its position, while large-scale attacks require double that amount. Russia, which can produce around 250,000 shells per month, can maintain its advantage with support from North Korea. Reports suggest that North Korea could supply Russia with up to 10 million shells, although many of them are old.

Reports suggest that North Korea could supply up to 10 million shells to Russia, although most of them are old. - Photo: KCNA

Although South Korean law prohibits arms exports to war zones, international pressure may force Seoul to reconsider this policy. In 2023, South Korea loaned the United States 300,000 155mm artillery shells, indirectly boosting Ukraine’s stockpiles. But analysts say South Korea needs to be careful about providing more ammunition without undermining its own defense capabilities. With limited artillery stockpiles and annual production of only about 200,000, South Korea risks facing ammunition shortages in the event of a conflict with North Korea.

Meanwhile, North Korea continues to strengthen its ties with Russia. Its military possesses some 21,000 artillery pieces capable of firing for 45 days straight, creating a huge supply of ammunition in the millions that could be supplied to Russia. While much of this ammunition may be old, it could still be used effectively in combat.

The current situation poses significant challenges for South Korea as it must balance its support for Ukraine and its national security against the threat from North Korea. Amid rising tensions, Seoul’s decision to become more deeply involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict will be a test of its international relations in the coming period.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/chien-su-nga-ukraine-han-quoc-can-nhac-cung-cap-them-dan-phao-155mm-cho-ukraine-354044.html