South Korean President Yoon strengthens ties with Ukraine through aid and military support

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol made a surprise visit to Ukraine, expressing support for the country in its conflict with Russia. Yoon pledged to expand humanitarian and non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine, increasing humanitarian aid to $150 million in 2023. The two leaders discussed cooperation on post-war reconstruction efforts, and South Korea will launch a scholarship fund for Ukrainian students. Yoon also visited sites where Russian troops had committed atrocities and laid flowers at a war memorial. South Korea, a rising arms exporter, has faced pressure to provide weapons to Ukraine but has focused on humanitarian and financial aid.