Moon Jae-in on Ukraine

Upon Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Moon Jae-in stated unequivocally that the use of armed force causing innocent lives to be lost could not be justified under any circumstances. Following a National Security Council meeting, he announced that South Korea would participate in global efforts to resolve the situation peacefully, explicitly mentioning economic sanctions against Russia. The administration's immediate response involved taking measures to ensure the safety of South Korean citizens in Ukraine and minimizing economic impact, while committing to join international export controls and sanctions against Russian banks. This stance, which prioritized supporting the international norms-based order, led to Russia designating South Korea as an "unfriendly" state.

The Moon administration's position was rooted in the principle that Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, a stance taken despite concerns regarding potential negative repercussions on South Korea's economic ties with Russia and its complex relationship with North Korea. Although the administration initially favored non-lethal aid, they also recognized the need to align with Western allies like the US and Europe, leading to a condemnation of the invasion in UN votes. His administration's approach focused on supporting the international community's efforts while navigating the delicate security balance involving North Korea and Russia's influence, a position that has been seen by some analysts as having been initially measured compared to closer allies like Japan.