The first official announcement of the possibility of weapons aid to Ukraine...Trump is 'negative'

[Anchor]
At a recent news conference, Yoon Suk Yeol's president made it official for the first time the possibility of arms aid to Ukraine, citing North Korea's dispatch of troops to Russia.

However, U.S. President-elect Trump is critical of the international community's arms support, which is expected to influence the government's final decision.

I'm reporter Lee Jong-gu.

[Reporter]
Yoon Suk Yeol's president told a news conference that he has not ruled out providing weapons aid in the wake of North Korea's dispatch of the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to the North Korean military's involvement in the war, the method of supporting Ukraine will be changed step by step.

The priority is defensive weapons, not killing or attacking.

[President Yoon Suk Yeol: If we provide weapons, we are considering defensive weapons first]

Ukraine will soon send its defense minister as a special envoy to the country to ask for military support.

[Kim Byung-joo / Minjoo Party member: You said you're going to consider a weapon to kill defense. Are you actually going to send it, Prime Minister?]

[Han Deok-soo / Prime Minister: I don't think anything has been decided at this time.]

Although opposition parties are criticizing the dispatch of observers as well as providing weapons, some say that it is necessary to adjust the level of response while watching how far the military closeness between North Korea and Russia will continue.

[Cho Han-beom, senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification: If North Korea does not provide technology or weapons that could pose a threat to South Korea's security, it can be seen that Russia has crossed the red line and is not yet considered.]

One of the variables that will influence the government's decision is the incoming Trump administration.

Trump, who has vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours if he takes office, is negative about arms and funding for Ukraine.

[Bronwen Maddox / Director Chatham House] President Zelensky was quick to congratulate Trump on his election. But I doubt Trump will continue to provide Ukraine with weapons or push for talks with Russia.]

As President Yoon Suk Yeol and President-elect Trump have promised to meet at an early date, chances are high that they will seek reasonable ways to support Ukraine through sharing their perceptions between the two countries.

I'm YTN Lee Jong-gu.