South Korea’s conservative presidential candidate said Seoul should learn a “lesson” regarding the fate of Ukraine on Thursday, warning that premature end-of-war efforts have no value when a country lacks alliance partners or military power.

Candidate Yoon Suk-yeol made the remarks hours after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – which President Vladimir Putin is targeting over Kiev’s objective to join NATO – and amid an ongoing push by outgoing ROK President Moon Jae-in to declare an end to hostilities with North Korea.

“An End-of-War Declaration, or a peace treaty – only words – will not guarantee peace on the Korean Peninsula,”