South Korea considers joining NATO's PURL initiative – media

The Korea Times stated this citing diplomatic sources, Ukrinform reports.

If South Korea decides to participate, it could deepen its defense ties with Europe, while Seoul seeks to expand arms sales to NATO countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea stated that the country is "in continued discussions with NATO on various ways to support Ukraine."

An official confirmed that NATO has requested South Korea to join the PURL mechanism for supporting Ukraine. He added that Seoul's approach to aid the war-affected country focuses on "humanitarian aid and other nonlethal military equipment."

Ukraine's embassy in South Korea did not comment when contacted by The Korea Times.

South Korea, which has become one of the major arms exporters in recent years, is seeking to expand its presence in Europe.

In November of last year, it lost a bid to supply submarines to Poland – one of South Korea's largest arms buyers – in a deal worth about KRW 8 trillion ($6 billion).

Currently, South Korea is competing with Germany for Canada's next-generation submarine project, valued at approximately KRW 60 trillion ($41 billion).

On February 10, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol held a phone call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at Rutte's request, discussing expanded defense cooperation.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun also met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Sekerinska in Brussels on January 24. They agreed to continue joint efforts in areas including defense.

As previously reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that this year contributions to PURL have already reached $584 million, while the total need for PURL in 2026 is $15 billion.

Photo: flagi.in.ua