The Korea Times
North Korea is not the only country profiting from the war in Ukraine. In some respects, South Korea has also benefited. North Korea has supplied Russia with military goods and equipment potentially worth billions of dollars, while South Korea’s arms exports to Europe rebounded to roughly $11 billion in 2025. Despite this parallel, the two Koreas differ sharply in their diplomatic stances. Pyongyang’s ties with Moscow have deepened through the war. By contrast, Seoul’s position has not changed dramatically: It continues to keep one foot in Europe while maintaining an eye on Russia. That difference matters. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, South Korea has made significant commercial gains as a defense industrial partner in Europe. Poland remains the clearest example, but it is not the only European country to forge a strong defense partnership with South Korea. Romania, Norway and Finland point to something broader than a series of one-off deals. South Korea is no longer seen merely as a rapid supplier filling wartime shortages. It is increasingly viewed as a potential l
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