Ukrainian Ambassador To South Korea Asks Seoul To Help The Country Improve Cyber Capabilities Against Russia

Ukrainian citizens in South Korea gathered at the Orthodox Church in Seoul to pray for their country. (photo: @DP_UA1972)

JAKARTA - The top Ukrainian official in South Korea said on Friday, February 25 that his country wanted to ask Seoul for help in enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities. This needs to be done to defend against Russian attacks.

The missiles had already hit the Ukrainian capital as Russian troops pushed their way forward after launching an attack last Thursday. This, prompted Kyiv's plea for more assistance from the international community.

Dmytro Ponomarenko, Ukraine's designated ambassador to South Korea, said on the website of the country's government agency that they had suffered from the Russian attack.

A global cybersecurity firm also said that newly discovered malware had circulated in Ukraine and had attacked hundreds of computers. It is part of what is considered an intensive hacking wave aimed at the country.

Ponomarenko praised South Korean President Moon Jae-in's statement that Ukraine's sovereignty must be respected. Moon also stated that Seoul supports a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but expressed hope for additional assistance.

"We would also be grateful if the Republic of Korea, as a highly developed high-tech country, helps us in strengthening our cybersecurity capabilities," Ponomarenko said in a statement released after a press conference in Seoul.

Instead, Moon said South Korea would join efforts by the international community to impose economic sanctions on Russia. But officials say they are not considering adopting unilateral measures.

An official at South Korea's foreign ministry said it would step up support for Ukraine, but did not immediately comment on potential cooperation in cyberspace.

South Korea designated Ukraine as the main recipient of official development assistance last year, and is currently providing assistance in education, health, and public administration among other areas.

Ukraine accounts for only about 0.1% of South Korea's trade volume. Russia is a major energy supplier to South Korea and the 10th-largest trading partner, with several major companies including Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor running factories in Russia.

Meanwhile, Ponomarenko urged the international community to show solidarity by imposing sanctions on Russia and providing Ukraine with financial, military, and fuel support, as well as humanitarian assistance. "We need to act together and in a coordinated manner," he told a news conference.