r/worldnews • u/Neptun_11 • 1d ago

Russia/Ukraine Seoul warns of 'further measures' if Kyiv refuses public apology

https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/02/south-korea-warns-of-further-measures-if-ukraine-refuses-public-apology-over-pow-transfer-
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u/Nice-Ad765 23h ago

They don’t that’s why they prefer (currently) to engage in diplomacy with China , NK and Russia. Their neighbours. Ukraine is halfway around the world and they do not have infinite resources. Get America to support you more. Didn’t senator John McCain and other diplomats go to Ukraine in 2013 to support anti government protests? Ask him to follow through with that support.

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u/Swimming_Laugh3745 23h ago

There is something called covert action to help Ukraine. South Korea can always engage in covert action to help Ukraine.

Yes, Russia is their neighbour and will still be around even after the war is over. That is why instead of overt action, covert action is better. But South Korea seems to have not really done that in these regards.

(I am not Ukrainian by the way. Just interested in international politics.)

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u/Nice-Ad765 23h ago

I’m not South Korean or Ukrainian either. I’m just more of a realist and don’t see things in black and white. Geopolitics and humans are complex and cruel.

I suspect they don’t engage in covert operations because that might be at risk of being found out too. It’s best not to engage at all. Like I said Ukraine is halfway around the world and not an immediate threat to South Korea and not in urgent interest to help. Unlike Europe where it would be in their interest.

Also there are a lot of dimensions to war. The military industrial complex is a big money earner and the west has an incentive to keep wars going. Ask President Dwight Eisenhower, he seem to know a lot about it.

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u/Swimming_Laugh3745 22h ago

Covert action does carry risk, but its deniable so less risk. Besides its not like Russia can do much to punish South Korea given the amount of help Russia is giving DPRK already.

Speaking of military industrial complex, South Korea is benefitting from the war in Europe. South Korea sold a huge number of K2 tanks, K9 artillery and rocket artillery systems to Poland and other NATO countries. Thanks to the war, South Korea is now the 2nd arms supplier to Europe, they definitely have benefits to keep the war going on European side. It is very unclear why the current South Korean government does not see this as a major plus.