President Lee Holds Summit with Zelenskyy; 100 Million Dollar Aid Package for Ukraine Likely to Be Discussed

[Financial News, Ankara (Türkiye) = Reporter Seong Seok-woo] President Lee Jae-myung began summit talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the 8th local time, on the sidelines of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit. The two sides are expected to discuss a comprehensive $100 million aid package for Ukraine, an end to the war, and postwar reconstruction cooperation.
The Blue House said the South Korea-Ukraine summit had begun.
Earlier, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said at a briefing on the first day of the NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye, on the 7th, "Through our pledge of a comprehensive $100 million aid package for Ukraine, we have shown in action our willingness to contribute to international peace and security."
Wi explained, "We have steadily supported Ukraine through various channels, including humanitarian aid, and this $100 million pledge expands our contribution in that same direction." He added, "We will continue to lend our support with the international community as a responsible global power so that the horrific war ends as soon as possible and peaceful daily life can be restored."
However, the government drew a line at the possibility of supplying lethal weapons. A senior Blue House official said during a briefing Q&A, "Our position on support for Ukraine remains unchanged from before," and "We do not provide lethal weapons."
The official said, "This time, we will announce a $100 million aid package." The specific details have not yet been finalized, so they will continue to be reviewed, but support will be provided in other areas excluding lethal weapons.
The summit took place during President Lee's first NATO summit since taking office. The previous day, he met with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, held a small-group meeting between the NATO chief and Indo-Pacific partner countries, and attended the NATO defense industry forum. On the same day, Lee also discussed defense, maritime, and energy cooperation in a summit with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
[email protected] Seong Seok-woo Reporter