South Korea to Sell Arms to U.S. for Ukrainian Forces Fighting Russia [View all]

[Gordolfon]

Source: Wall Street Journal

South Korea will for the first time sell artillery shells destined for Ukrainian forces through a confidential arms deal between Seoul and Washington, a move that reflects a global scramble for munitions after months of war with Russia.

U.S. officials familiar with the deal said that the U.S. will purchase 100,000 rounds of 155 mm artillery that will be delivered to Ukraine, enough to supply Ukraine's artillery units for at least several weeks of intensive combat.

Routing the deal through the U.S. allows South Korea to stick to the letter of its public commitment not to send lethal military support to Ukraine while assisting Washington, Seoul's paramount ally in deterring North Korea.

The South Korean-provided arms will enable the U.S. to supply the Ukrainians without digging deeper into the American inventory of artillery stocks, which U.S. officials have acknowledged are dwindling quickly. In August, the stockpile of U.S. 155 mm artillery rounds had fallen to levels that concerned the Pentagon as Ukraine engaged in fierce artillery duels with the Russian forces, and U.S. officials say the situation is considerably worse today.
South Korea Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup met with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier this month and agreed in principle to proceed with the artillery deal. Officials at the South Korean Embassy in Washington had no immediate comment.

Read more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/south-korea-to-sell-arms-to-u-s-for-ukraine-11668116294