Ukraine’s Zelenskyy asks South Korea for military support

ANKARA

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday asked South Korea for military equipment support for his country.

"The Republic of Korea can help Ukraine [as] South Korea has the various military equipment that can stop Russia's vessels and missiles," Zelenskyy said, addressing the South Korean parliament through a video link, according to Yonhap News Agency.

He said his country need military weapons including planes and tanks.

"If Ukraine receives such weapons, not only will they save the lives of ordinary people, but it will be a chance to save Ukraine, and not only Ukraine, but ensure other countries are not attacked by Russia," the Ukrainian president said.

Seoul has already refused to provide military support to Kyiv and said South Korea will continue to provide humanitarian support to Ukraine.

South Korea has provided non-lethal supplies, including bulletproof helmets, blankets, and medical items, worth 1 billion won ($804,100) to Ukraine, according to a report.

At least 1,793 civilians have been killed and 2,439 injured in Ukraine since Russia launched a war on Feb. 24, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be much higher.

Around 4.5 million Ukrainians have fled to other countries, with millions more internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid