The South Korean government is evaluating further ways to assist Ukraine, including potential involvement in the U.S.-led PURL program aimed at supplying military equipment to the country. This information was reported by Yonhap.
A representative from the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that discussions with NATO are ongoing regarding various support measures for Ukraine.
According to diplomatic sources, one of the options under consideration is the NATO framework program for procuring U.S. weapons for Ukraine, known as the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).
However, the source indicated that even if South Korea joins the initiative, its contributions may be limited to non-lethal equipment.
Since the onset of the conflict with Russia in 2022, South Korea has provided only non-lethal and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
On February 10, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported, citing NATO officials, that Japan plans to join the NATO initiative to support Ukraine, including funding for non-lethal defense equipment. Subsequently, the Japanese government denied media reports about its decision to participate in the PURL program.
Details on the PURL Program
On July 14, 2025, the U.S. and NATO established the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List agreement, which facilitates the purchase of American weaponry for Ukraine funded by European nations. According to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, this agreement allows Kyiv to receive substantial quantities of air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition.
Denmark has allocated approximately 580 million Danish kroner for the PURL initiative, while Sweden has contributed 275 million dollars and Norway around 135 million dollars.
Previously, the Netherlands financed an initial assistance package under PURL amounting to 500 million euros, with Germany also joining the program.
On September 18, a NATO representative informed the public that the first military equipment under the agreement between the U.S. and NATO as part of the PURL program had arrived in Ukraine, with more supplies expected soon.
Following a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on September 24, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that in just two months since the program’s inception, its funding has reached 2.1 billion dollars. Rutte emphasized the importance of increasing contributions and participant nations in the initiative.
On December 3, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced that Alliance countries and partners have already committed over 4 billion dollars in aid to Ukraine through the PURL mechanism.
South Korea is considering joining NATO's PURL program to support Ukraine with military supplies, focusing on non-lethal equipment. The initiative has already garnered significant funding from various nations to assist Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.