The United States (U.S.) confirmed for the first time on Wednesday that North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, sparking concerns they may join the Kremlin’s war effort in Ukraine. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, speaking in Rome, said it remains unclear whether these troops will be directly involved in combat. He warned that such involvement would mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The confirmation follows earlier reports from South Korean intelligence that approximately 3,000 North Korean soldiers have already arrived in Russia, with an expected total of 10,000 by December. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reported that North Korean troops were being trained for deployment, citing as many as 6,000 soldiers in two units.
The alliance between North Korea and Russia has grown stronger in recent months, with Moscow relying on North Korean artillery and munitions amid heavy battlefield losses. Both countries have denied reports of arms transfers, but South Korean intelligence has tracked North Korean special forces receiving training in Russia, outfitted with Russian weapons and false identification. Satellite images and AI facial recognition have been used to confirm the presence of North Korean soldiers.
Austin noted that if North Korean troops participate in combat in Ukraine, it would be a “very, very serious issue.” Meanwhile, South Korea and Ukraine have urged for a stronger response, with Seoul considering more direct military aid to Ukraine.
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