North Korean Troops Allegedly Sent to Support Russia in Ukraine
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For the first time, the U.S. has reported evidence of North Korean troops in Russia, raising concerns about potential involvement in the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to Reuters, around 3,000 North Korean soldiers are reportedly in Russia, a move confirmed by South Korean lawmakers, who warn that even more could follow.
- The U.S. and South Korea report that North Korea has sent 3,000 troops to Russia, with more potentially to follow.
- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned of serious consequences if North Korean forces engage in Ukraine.
- South Korea is considering providing military aid to Ukraine for the first time in response to North Korea’s alleged involvement.
- Moscow and Pyongyang deny the presence of North Korean troops, claiming their cooperation is legal under international law.
- Global leaders, including NATO, the U.S., and Japan, have condemned the deepening military ties between Russia and North Korea.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, while speaking in Rome, emphasized the gravity of the situation. He noted that if North Korean forces are indeed preparing to fight alongside Russia, it would represent a “very, very serious” development. He also indicated that it remains unclear exactly how these troops will be deployed.
Meanwhile, Newsweek reported that South Korea is reconsidering its position on supplying Ukraine with military aid. Although Seoul has been aligned with the U.S. in supporting Ukraine, it has refrained from providing offensive weapons. However, in light of North Korea’s alleged military support for Russia, South Korean officials have hinted at potentially providing weapons to Kyiv. This policy shift could significantly impact Ukraine’s war efforts, especially as both Kyiv and Moscow face challenges in replenishing their military resources.
South Korea has already summoned the Russian ambassador to demand the “immediate withdrawal” of North Korean troops. According to the BBC, Seoul has described the deployment as a threat to both South Korea and the global community. The exact nature of North Korea’s involvement remains murky, but there are reports of special forces among the troops already sent to Russia. South Korean media speculates that up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers could eventually be deployed.
Moscow and Pyongyang have denied these allegations. A Kremlin spokesperson reiterated that the cooperation between Russia and North Korea “should not worry anyone” and is within the bounds of international law. Pyongyang has yet to comment directly on the accusations. Despite these denials, international concerns are growing over the increased collaboration between the two nations, particularly after the signing of a security pact in June between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin.
NATO, along with the United States, Japan, and South Korea, has condemned the deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia. In response to the situation, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol urged NATO to explore “concrete countermeasures.” British Foreign Minister David Lammy, visiting Seoul, also denounced the growing Russia-North Korea alliance as “reckless and illegal.”
This unfolding scenario could lead to greater international involvement in the conflict, according to defense experts. Some analysts, however, question whether North Korea’s involvement will truly benefit Russia, pointing out potential integration challenges. Valeriy Ryabykh, a Ukrainian defense analyst, suggested that North Korean troops might initially be tasked with guarding Russian-Ukrainian border areas, freeing up Russian forces for front-line combat.
As tensions rise, the international community is preparing for potential escalations. The deployment of North Korean soldiers to support Russia could have profound implications for the war in Ukraine and global security.