Mike Pence, who served as Vice President during Donald Trump's first term, has proposed that South Korea provide its advanced interceptor missiles to the United States for potential deployment in Ukraine or the Middle East. This suggestion comes as U.S. air defense missile stocks have dwindled due to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
While visiting Ukraine, Pence stated in a CNN interview on August 23 that he discussed the shortage of air defense weapons to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Pence emphasized the need to supplement U.S. air defense capabilities through allied nations, specifically mentioning South Korea. He noted, "South Korea possesses very sophisticated interceptor missiles," and added that there have been several exchanges between President Zelensky and South Korea this week.
He further explained, "This could be an opportunity for President Yoon Suk Yeol to take a step further by providing these interceptor missiles to the U.S. for deployment in the Middle East, Ukraine, or European allies."
This proposal suggests a form of indirect support, where South Korea would transfer interceptor missiles to the U.S., which would then redeploy them to areas in need.
Earlier, President Zelensky expressed a desire for South Korea's assistance in air defense systems during a broadcast interview on August 9, acknowledging legal constraints but expressing hope for cooperation as diplomats from both countries engage.
Pence's comments arose in response to concerns about the depletion of Patriot missiles due to the war with Iran, which has left the U.S. with fewer air defense resources to support Ukraine. He countered the notion that the U.S. is unable to assist, stating, "I don't see it that way."
However, he warned that Ukraine's lack of air defense could pose serious challenges this winter, citing Zelensky's concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin would target schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and energy infrastructure, forcing Ukraine to endure a harsh winter.
Pence noted that Zelensky mentioned that providing just 5% of the Patriot stock would be sufficient for winter survival.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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