▲ This undated file photo shows the exterior of South Korea's foreign ministry building in Seoul. (Yonhap)

S Korea-Ukraine

S. Korea mulls joining NATO-led munitions support program for Ukraine

SEOUL, Feb. 20 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry said Friday it is considering various measures to support Ukraine in its war with Russia, with joining an initiative to supply the war-torn country with U.S. weapons being reportedly under review.

"The government has continued to consult with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) over various measures to support Ukraine," a foreign ministry official said.

Among support measures being under review is a NATO-led framework launched in July last year to purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine, known as the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, according to a diplomatic source.

Even if South Korea decides to join the PURL, Seoul's contribution may be limited to purchases of non-lethal equipment, it added.

Australia and New Zealand, both non-members of NATO, participated in the PURL. Japan, also a non-NATO nation, is set to announce its intent to participate in the framework, according to Japan's Kyodo News report. Equipment bought with Japan's support will be limited to non-lethal items, such as vehicles and radar systems, it added.

South Korea has only provided non-lethal and other humanitarian support to Ukraine since the war with Russia began in 2022.

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