The government of South Korea is exploring new ways to support Ukraine, including a possible participation in the PURL program tied to the supply of American weapons to Ukraine. Sources familiar with the situation report this.
The government continues consultations with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on various formats of assistance to Ukraine, said a spokesperson for the South Korean Foreign Ministry.
According to a diplomatic source of the agency, among the possible steps is a NATO-led framework program for procuring American weapons for Ukraine – the “Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List” (PURL).
The interlocutor noted that even with Seoul’s possible involvement, the contribution could be limited to non-lethal equipment.
South Korea has provided Ukraine only non-lethal and humanitarian aid since the start of the war with Russia in 2022.
About the PURL program and its participants
On July 14, 2025, the United States and NATO signed the agreement Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List, which envisages the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine with funds from European countries. According to the NATO secretary-general, within the framework of the agreement Kyiv could receive a substantial number of air-defense systems, missiles, and munitions.
It is known that for this program Denmark allocated about 580 million Danish kroner, Sweden – 275 million dollars, and Norway – around 135 million dollars. Earlier, the Netherlands financed the first aid package under the PURL for 500 million euros. Germany has also joined the program.
On September 18, a NATO representative spoke about the arrival in Ukraine of the first samples of military equipment provided for by the agreement under the PURL, and new deliveries are expected in the near future.
After a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on September 24, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that two months after the program’s launch its funding had already reached 2.1 billion dollars. Rutte stressed the importance of increasing contributions and expanding the number of participating countries in the initiative.
On December 3, Mark Rutte stated that Alliance countries and partners have already committed to allocating more than $4 billion to help Ukraine through the PURL mechanism.
“Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List” (PURL)
– Yonhap
Analysts note that participation of partner countries in the PURL could give Ukraine access to large volumes of modern weapon systems and equipment, but the real pace of deliveries will depend on political decisions and the financial capabilities of donor countries. Experts also emphasize the need for careful coordination between allies and Ukraine’s strategic needs to ensure long-term stability in the region.