South Korea Earmarks $100 Million for Ukraine Aid in 2027 Budget Draft Despite Diplomatic Row

In brief

• South Korea's government has proposed $100 million in aid to Ukraine in its 2027 budget draft despite a diplomatic dispute with Kyiv.
• The largest share, $50 million, would go to the NATO Trust Fund for Ukraine, almost triple this year's contribution.
• The remaining funds would go to humanitarian projects ($20 million) and a conflict-affected countries program ($30 million).

Budget request despite diplomatic strain

The South Korean government has included $100 million in aid for Ukraine in the draft state budget for 2027, despite a diplomatic dispute between the two countries over North Korean prisoners of war (Скандал не завадив: Південна Корея готує великий пакет допомоги Україні на 2027 рік – TSN) (Південна Корея передбачила в проєкті бюджету- 2027 допомогу Україні: в ЗМІ назвали суму – UNIAN) (Несмотря на дипломатический скандал. Южная Корея готовит помощь Украине на 100 миллионов долларов — СМИ – NV) (Південна Корея заклала в проєкт бюджету на 2027 рік $100 млн допомоги Україні – ЗМІ – Українська правда). Reports say the request was filed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which aims to carry out a pledge made by President Lee Jae Myung in July at a NATO summit.

Breakdown of the funds

The money is divided into three parts:

• $50 million to the NATO Trust Fund for Ukraine, almost three times this year's contribution of $16.7 million
• $20 million for humanitarian projects, up from $5 million this year, focused on energy, health care and education
• $30 million under a program for countries hit by armed conflict

Background on the trust fund

The NATO trust fund was set up in 2016 to support Ukraine's recovery and supply non-lethal military equipment. South Korea joined in 2024. Seoul transferred $34 million to the fund over 2024 and 2025, money used in part to treat wounded Ukrainian soldiers and build rehabilitation hospitals.

Humanitarian channels

The humanitarian aid will be delivered through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for equipment and goods, while financial support will go through international bodies, including the United Nations Development Programme.

What comes next

The $100 million is a proposal within the 2027 budget draft and still requires parliamentary approval. Reports indicate it was submitted by the foreign ministry and is being presented as the fulfilment of the July commitment.