The scene of the test launch of the U.S. long-range missile ATACMS. AFP=Yonhap News
The U.S. government has notified the South Korean government in advance of its decision to allow Ukraine to use the long-range missile ATACMS, which can strike Russian territory, the presidential office announced.
On the 18th (local time), a senior official from the presidential office spoke with reporters at the press center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the G20 summit was taking place. When asked if the U.S. had shared the approval of ATACMS use, the official responded, “The U.S. informs us in advance, but since our country does not need to be directly involved in this matter, we have only been notified of the U.S. decision.”
Regarding the issue of weapons support for Ukraine, the official stated, “If Russia and North Korea do not stop cooperating in the Ukraine war, despite international recommendations, it is necessary to assist Ukraine in obtaining the capability to defend itself.” The official added, “NATO, the U.S., and its ally South Korea also need to pay more attention to this matter moving forward.”
However, regarding the specific plans for weapon support, the official mentioned, “NATO and the U.S. are handling it, and we need to first listen to our special envoy to know whether to proceed with support.” The official also noted, “While necessary military systems can be exchanged between the U.S.-Korea alliance, nothing has been decided specifically regarding Ukraine, and detailed discussions have not started.”
The New York Times reported on the 17th that U.S. President Joe Biden had authorized Ukraine to use American long-range missiles, ATACMS, which had previously been restricted. This decision was said to be a response to Russia deploying North Korean troops to the Ukraine war.