Ukrainian President Urges South Korea to Provide Anti-Aircraft Defense System Support: Chosun Ilbo Interview

▲In May 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was interviewed by Chosun Ilbo European Correspondent Chung Cholfan in his office in Kyiv.Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

– South Korea’s assistance is still limited to the humanitarian dimension. Do you have any regrets about this?

“I understand that there are various limitations regarding arms support. However, I believe that such principles of South Korea should not be applied to defense systems (which South Korea has not yet supported), power system protection equipment, etc. I think the anti-aircraft defense system is not a weapon, but a purely defensive device.For the reconstruction of Ukraine, the “air shield” is indispensable.South Korea is in this field..

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▲In May 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was interviewed by Chosun Ilbo European Correspondent Chung Cholfan in his office in Kyiv.Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

– South Korea’s assistance is still limited to the humanitarian dimension. Do you have any regrets about this?

“I understand that there are various limitations regarding arms support. However, I believe that such principles of South Korea should not be applied to defense systems (which South Korea has not yet supported), power system protection equipment, etc. I think that the anti-aircraft defense system is not a weapon but a purely defensive device.For the reconstruction of Ukraine, the “air shield” is indispensable.I sincerely hope that South Korea will support us in this field. We also have an early warning system to warn of Russian air raids, but we need South Korea’s help for this as well.”

President Zelensky expressed his candid feelings towards the top enemy, Russian President Vladimir Putin. He boldly voiced his judgment on Russia’s continuing nuclear threats, his evaluation of China’s peace mediation efforts, and his criticism of the hypocritical behavior occurring between Russia and China. This is something that I have rarely talked about in interviews with foreign media.

– Russia has started transferring tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, citing the nuclear threat from the West. What should we look for?

“Ukraine today means nothing. Russia has made nuclear threats not once or twice, but repeatedly for so long that Ukraine is no longer afraid of Russia’s nuclear weapons-related threats and measures. No. The transfer of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus is also nothing more than a “political ploy” to threaten Ukraine and Europe.Nuclear weapons should not be used to infringe on the territorial sovereignty of other countries. The whole world agrees, but Russia constantly wields the nuclear threat like a ‘legendary sword’: political blackmail is the only way left for them.”

－The relations between Russia and China are becoming closer, but what impact will the war have? (President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a summit meeting in Russia in March this year).

“China wants to walk a tightrope between the West and Russia somewhere ‘outside.’ But what has President Putin done? Russia would lie to countries that were somewhat close to it, even to those who considered Russia an honest ally. I would like to emphasize once again that Russia’s rhetoric about nuclear weapons is just politics.

Q: I had a telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping in April. Will China be able to properly fulfill its role as a mediator?

“The reality is that China does not directly support Ukraine’s position. But our own peace formula, our initiative is the basis.’ Because this war started in Ukraine and continues here. If China decides that ‘Russian troops withdraw from all Ukrainian territories’. I believe that only then can we be of service if we make a clear and strong statement that we must.”

– What do you think is President Putin’s ultimate goal?

“‘Restoration of the Soviet Union’ is his life goal. There is no way to achieve this diplomatically, so he has tried all sorts of blackmail, energy weaponization, etc., with little success. So, It has chosen to be a blatant aggressor[through the invasion of Ukraine]killing many civilians, torturing, seizing nuclear power plants and even threatening a nuclear disaster.”

– Do you have any intention of meeting with President Putin?

“He has avoided even talking to me on the phone for almost two years. There is only one reason: he has nothing to say. The truth is with us, and he has no words to speak in front of the truth. Putin clearly knows that his willingness to take Ukraine by force is indisputable, so what can you talk about with me? I just want the destruction of (Ukrainianness) Putin’s next target is Belarus he is swallowing Belarus bit by bit Putin now is clearly a different person than we used to see It is difficult to talk to Putin before he withdraws all his troops from Ukrainian territory.”

-Finally, what message do you want to convey to the Korean people?

“I and the Ukrainian people have a very good perception of South Korea. South Koreans overcame many challenges and pains to build a strong and brave nation and a technology-leading economy. In other words, it is a “wonderful country.” Just like South Korea in the past, we are now engaged in a fierce struggle to protect our lives and freedom from sudden invasion. It’s a word I want.”

Kyiv (Ukraine) – Correspondent Chung Cholfan

Chosun Ilbo / Chosun Ilbo Japanese version

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