Zelenskyy considers Korean scenario for Ukraine: What it entails

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested that a «Korean scenario» could unfold in Ukraine, drawing parallels to the aftermath of the Korean War (1950–1953), where no peace treaty was signed. Part of Korea fell under communist influence, and the South managed to build a successful state.

The Head of State said this in an interview with Le Point.

«This is an example of how values prevailed. The development of South Korea cannot be compared with that of North Korea, where there is real economic and civilizational decline. I am not even talking about people, I am talking about infrastructure, the economy, and development. South Korea made a leap forward in civilization, technology, and the economy because it cultivated humanism. That is the most important thing for a state: you must focus on people, ” Zelenskyy said.

He openly admitted that he doesn’t rule out a repetition of the Korean scenario in Ukraine.

«You ask me if such a scenario can happen in Ukraine? I tell you that everything is possible, ” the President noted.

He pointed out that South Korea has a key ally — the United States of America, which will not allow North Korea to take control of it.

«So everything is relative: South Koreans still face risks. Their economy is thriving, and they are protected, but as long as North Korea remains what it is, as long as the nature of its leadership remains the same, South Korea will not be completely safe. And believe me, they have numerous air defense systems that guarantee their security, ” Zelenskyy reflected.

At the same time, in his view, comparisons with South Korea have their limits: the population of North Korea is just over 20 million, while Russia’s population exceeds 140 million. Therefore, the scale of these threats cannot be compared, Zelenskyy emphasized.

«The threats from Russia are five, six, or even ten times greater. A complete repetition of the South Korean model would likely not suit Ukraine from a security standpoint. On the other hand, its economic model is a good example, ” he concluded.