Bloomberg: Trump's Victory Could Push Seoul to Military Aid for Ukraine.

South Korea may change its stance on arms supplies to Ukraine if Donald Trump wins the presidential elections in the USA.

According to Bloomberg, currently the likelihood of South Korean arms supplies to Ukraine is considered low, but this may change under the influence of two factors: a possible provocation from North Korea or a clear definition of Trump's position on supporting Ukraine. Supplying lethal weapons from South Korea would significantly strengthen Ukraine's defense capability and create prospects for the involvement of South Korean businesses in the post-war revival of the country.

However, such a step could provoke a negative reaction from Moscow and escalate the conflict, including new provocations from Pyongyang. The cautious position of the official Seoul is determined by several factors, including concerns about antagonizing Russia, which has already warned of 'consequences for security' in the event of arms supplies to Ukraine. Moreover, the idea of direct military assistance to Kyiv does not have broad support among the South Korean population.

The situation has been complicated by North Korea deploying around 12,000 troops in Russia, which President Yoon Suk-yeol considers a threat to his country's security. In response, Seoul promised to take 'gradual measures' and urged Pyongyang to withdraw its troops from the Russian Federation. By the end of October, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the preparation of a detailed request to South Korea, which will include a list of necessary weapons. A special representative is planned to be sent to Seoul to discuss this issue.