Image source: topwar.ru
The US army's weapons arsenals are showing the bottom, ammunition manufacturers who have received contracts are just starting to fulfill them, and the Ukrainian army is already experiencing a shortage of large-caliber artillery shells. Against this background, Washington is forced to turn to its allies.
The United States has again requested South Korea to supply 155-mm shells for transfer to Ukraine, Korea JoongAng Daily reports, citing unnamed sources in the government of the republic. The number of shells requested is not disclosed, the transaction itself is not advertised. According to the publication, the issue of the transfer of ammunition has not been finally resolved, now the South Korean government is discussing it.
South Korea does not support Ukraine with the supply of weapons and ammunition, so the transfer of ammunition is possible only on condition that the United States remains the end user of them. However, Washington intends to transfer the shells to Ukraine, which, again, contradicts the obligations assumed by Seoul. At the same time, the United States is an ally of South Korea in the confrontation with the DPRK, and the commitments undertaken call for every possible support to the Americans.
Here is a dilemma that can be solved in favor of the United States. Moreover, in November last year, the Pentagon had already requested from South Korea the supply of shells in the amount of 100 thousand pieces and received them, then sending them to Ukraine, although it was stipulated that they would be used to replenish the US Army reserve.
Meanwhile, NATO is calling on Seoul to abandon its commitments to Ukraine and start supplying weapons to Kiev. This statement was made by the head of the alliance, Jens Stoltenberg, during a visit to South Korea.