South Korea plans to quadruple humanitarian aid to Ukraine despite diplomatic dispute
The Government of the Republic of Korea submitted the corresponding request during next year's budget planning. Through this move, the country plans to fulfill the promise made by President Lee Jae Myung, who announced an intention in July to provide Ukraine with 100 million US dollars. Officials are advancing the decision despite an unresolved diplomatic dispute between the two nations.
The main portion of the funding—50 million US dollars (around 7.45 billion won)—is earmarked for the NATO Trust Fund. For comparison, South Korea's contribution this year amounted to 16.7 million US dollars (around 2.48 billion won).
An additional 20 million US dollars (around 2.98 billion won) is designated for humanitarian assistance, which is four times higher than this year's 5 million US dollars (around 740 million won).
Separately, Ukraine is set to receive 30 million US dollars (around 4.47 billion won) under the support program for states affected by conflicts and instability.
South Korea provides humanitarian support to Ukraine primarily in the energy, medical, and educational sectors. The assistance is delivered as material aid through the Korea International Cooperation Agency or by funding projects managed by international organizations, including the UN Development Program.
The requested amount for Ukraine next year represents about 11% of the Republic of Korea's total humanitarian aid budget, which equals 270 billion won. Potential funding tracks include:
How the NATO Trust Fund works
Officials created the fund in 2016 to support Ukraine's reconstruction and provide urgent non-lethal military equipment. South Korea began contributing to it in 2024 following consultations with NATO.
Specifically, the fund's resources support the rehabilitation of Ukrainian military personnel. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Ukraine received a total of 34 million US dollars (around 5.06 billion won) through this program in 2024–2025. Projects supported by the fund continue operating in 2026.
Notably, on November 10, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met in Paris with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Cho Hyun. The parties discussed prospects for normalizing bilateral relations, as well as recent events that affected cooperation between the countries.
Background
As previously reported, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung accused Ukraine of violating a non-disclosure agreement after President Volodymyr Zelenskyi mentioned details during his speech at the UN General Assembly.
As Rubryka reported, on October 8, South Korea decided to recall its Ambassador to Ukraine, Park Kichang, returning him to Seoul. Officials made the decision amid a dispute between Kyiv and Seoul over the disclosure of information regarding the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war.
On October 27, South Korea recalled eight more diplomats from Ukraine amid the conflict. Despite diplomatic tensions, Seoul continues to maintain contact with Ukraine's Foreign Ministry.
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12 of November 2026
