<Anchor>
The US media reported that the shells made by Korea would be supplied to Ukraine through the US.
Earlier, Russian President Putin had said that Korea-Russia relations would break if South Korea provided weapons to Ukraine, but the Korean government explained that negotiations on the export of shells were being carried out on condition that the US should use them.
Reporter Bae Jun-woo reports.
<Reporter>
The US-made '155mm Howitzer' played a major role in preventing the Russian invasion and gaining the upper hand.
It has a maximum range of 40 km and can fire five or six rounds per minute.
However, it is also known that the United States is coming to a limit in its support of artillery.
The Wall Street Journal reported that a secret agreement was reached between South Korea and the United States to fill this gap.
The U.S. plans to purchase 100,000 155mm shells from a Korean defense company and send them to Ukraine.
It is estimated that 100,000 rounds are enough for Ukraine to use for about a fortnight.
Our Department of Defense has a different explanation.
It is true that export negotiations are going on, but they are being discussed under the premise that the US must be the end user.
The Ministry of National Defense also believes that the U.S. will not hand over shells to Ukraine until the U.S. violates the contract, as it is possible to identify whether the shells are Korean-made just by checking the shell casings of the fired shells.
Earlier, Russian President Putin pointed out and warned South Korea as if conscious of the performance and productivity of K-Defense.
[Putin/President of Russia (28th of last month): I know that Korea is planning to supply weapons and ammunition to Ukraine.
This will destroy our relationship.]
With our government insisting on supporting only non-lethal weapons, we should keep an eye on Russia's response to foreign media reports.
(Video coverage: Kim Se-kyung, video editing: Kim Ho-jin, CG: Lee Jong-jeong)