Following the import and rental of 155mm artillery shells from South Korea to support Ukraine in 2022 and 2023, the U.S. government has shown interest in securing more shells from its allies, including South Korea. However, the U.S. has not directly requested South Korea for additional shells.
During a briefing on Thursday, Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh addressed questions about whether the U.S. is seeking more military support from South Korea. In response to a question about whether the U.S. still wants South Korea to provide additional weapons, including 155mm shells, Singh stated: “I think we’ve been very clear with all partners and allies all around the world willing and able to provide military assistance to Ukraine, including one 55 millimeter rounds that we know they desperately need, to help Ukraine in their fight. I won’t speak for other nations and what they’re providing, but as I mentioned at the top, you know, there is a UDCG tomorrow. Air defense is one of the many topics that is going to come up at that UDCG. We know a priority for Ukraine is those 155-millimeter rounds. So whatever other nations can provide would certainly be welcome to Ukraine. I’m going to go to the phones and then come back in the room. Jeff Schogol, Task and Purpose.”
Since the outbreak of war nearly two years ago, Ukraine has faced a stalemate on the front lines, repeatedly engaging in exhausting artillery battles with Russia. While the U.S. and European nations have supplied Ukraine with significant amounts of artillery equipment and Western-made 155mm shells, they have struggled to meet the quantities required for the protracted conflict. As a result, the U.S. has shown interest in South Korea’s large stockpile of 155mm shells.
The South Korean government has previously offered humanitarian aid to Ukraine but has not provided lethal weapons like artillery shells. In 2022, the U.S. bought 100,000 rounds of 155mm shells from South Korea to replenish its own depleted stocks. Last year, the U.S. also borrowed approximately 500,000 rounds of South Korean shells to assist Ukraine while replenishing its military reserves. Some U.S. lawmakers have argued that South Korea should directly supply shells to Ukraine rather than providing indirect support.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September last year to purchase North Korean weapons and ammunition for use on the Ukrainian front, promising advanced technology transfers in return. The South Korean government has cautioned that its stance on support could shift based on developments in Russia’s actions following the June summit between Kim and Putin.
