“While North Korea has officially acknowledged its involvement in the Russia–Ukraine war and continues to expand its supply of weapons and personnel in support of Russia, South Korea has yet to become a true ally to Ukraine. Today, that prospect appears increasingly remote.”

Nataliya Butyrska, Associated Senior Fellow at the New Europe Center, reflects in Mirror of the Week on the shift in South Korea’s foreign policy following the election of President Lee Jae-myung, who has prioritized renewing dialogue with North Korea while attempting to balance relations with the United States, China, and Russia. The author analyzes the risks such a policy poses to South Korea’s security, its international role, and its commitment to supporting Ukraine — which remains a secondary priority amid broader Indo-Pacific challenges.

“In today’s tense geopolitical environment, without clear alignment with the democratic camp and meaningful participation in security cooperation to safeguard international stability — including stronger support for Ukraine — Seoul risks being left out of key global transformations. South Korea must overcome its strategic ambiguity and demonstrate a more proactive stance in defending the rules-based international order alongside the G7 and NATO countries. Maintaining a position of ambivalence under current conditions may jeopardize its relationships with democratic partners,” Butyrska stresses.

Read more via the link (Ukrainian).