SEOUL, South Korea – The United States has confirmed reports of North Korean troops being sent to Russia, raising concerns among Western allies about a potential escalation in Moscow’s conflict in Ukraine. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin acknowledged the presence of DPRK troops in Russia, expressing uncertainty about their exact activities and motives. Austin emphasized the importance of gaining more information on the situation to understand the implications of North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war.
South Korea and Ukraine have been alarmed by the deployment of North Korean troops, with South Korean lawmakers indicating that 3,000 troops have been sent to Russia out of a promised 10,000. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that two units of North Korean troops, totaling up to 6,000 soldiers each, were being trained for potential deployment in the conflict. There have been concerns about the growing alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow, as observers closely monitor social media and satellite images for confirmation of Russia’s use of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine.
Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence suggested that North Korean troops could arrive in Russia’s Kursk region as early as Wednesday. South Korea has taken action by summoning the Russian ambassador to demand the withdrawal of North Korean soldiers and their cooperation in the conflict. The United States, considering providing defensive and offensive weapons to Ukraine, views the situation as a dangerous development and is consulting with allies on potential implications.
The U.S. believes that North Korea is supplying munitions to Russia, including artillery shells, in exchange for military technology that could enhance Kim’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Both Russia and North Korea deny any transfer of arms, but the presence of North Korean troops in Russia raises concerns about the dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine. South Korea and Ukraine have voiced dissatisfaction with the response from the U.S. and other Western countries, urging a more urgent and coordinated approach to address the situation. The international community is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Ukraine and the implications of North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s conflict.