Ukrainian President Asks Korea to Send Weapons

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday asked Korean lawmakers to send weapons to help his country against the Russian invasion.

Korea "has tanks, ships and various equipment that can block Russian missiles and we would be grateful if [the country] could help us fight back against Russia," Zeleneskyy told the National Assembly via Zoom.

He reminded them that Korea was also helped in the 1950-1953 Korean War by the international community.

In the 15-minute address, the Ukrainian leader thanked Korea for joining international sanctions on Russia but added that more help is needed. Zelenskyy has stayed in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv since the invasion began in February and addressed the assemblies of 23 countries as well as international organizations requesting military support.

Dressed in his trademark military garb, Zelenskyy spent most of his time stressing the atrocities committed by Russian forces, the illegality of the invasion and the need for military assistance.

"If Ukraine is able to receive such weapons, it will not only help us save the lives of our ordinary citizens but also provide Ukraine an opportunity to survive as a nation, and also help prevent other countries from being attacked by Russia," he said.

Ukraine asked Korea for anti-aircraft weapons last week but was turned down because Seoul decided not to send lethal weapons to a faraway war. Instead it sent bullet-proof helmets, tents, blankets and other protective and relief supplies.