section_path: Presidency (2022–2025)/Foreign policy/Ukraine
section_name: Ukraine
paragraph_text: Ukraine
  
  In a Reuters interview on 19 April 2023, Yoon hinted at supplying lethal aid to Ukraine, stating that "If there is a situation the international community cannot condone, such as any large-scale attack on civilians, massacre or serious violation of the laws of war, it might be difficult for us to insist only on humanitarian or financial support." Previously, South Korea had only provided humanitarian and economic aid to Ukraine. Yoon linked the struggle in Ukraine to the Korean War when the international community supported South Korea. He added, "I believe there won't be limitations to the extent of the support to defend and restore a country that's been illegally invaded both under international and domestic law. However, considering our relationship with the parties engaged in the war and developments in the battlefield, we will take the most appropriate measures."
  
  In response, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev suggested that Russia could supply North Korea on a " quid pro quo " basis. The DPK, JP, and Progressive Party, along with other liberal and progressive parties, opposed the Yoon administration's policy toward Ukraine, fearing that his pro-Ukraine diplomacy would lead to Russia supporting North Korea's weapons and South Korean companies being penalized by Russia's economic sanctions.
  
  In July 2023, Yoon visited Ukraine after visiting Lithuania and Poland for the NATO summit. Specifically, he visited Bucha and Irpin. In August 2023, Yoon announced that South Korea would provide $394 million in financial aid to Ukraine for 2024, an eightfold increase from 2023.
  
  On 7 November 2024, Yoon suggested that South Korea could provide weapons to Ukraine. However, the South Korean public was widely opposed to direct arms supplies to Ukraine.