The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has drawn the attention of the international community, particularly regarding the involvement of North Korea. Recently, a White House official confirmed that North Korea dispatched at least 3,000 troops to eastern Russia earlier this month.
This development raises significant concerns about the potential for these troops to engage in combat to support Russian forces in Ukraine after completing their training.
John Kirby, the National Security Communications Advisor, provided insight into the U.S. assessment of the situation. He noted that the North Korean troops were moved by ship from the Wonsan area in North Korea to Vladivostok, Russia, between early and mid-October.
While the exact mission of these soldiers remains unclear, Kirby emphasised the high probability that they could be deployed to fight alongside Russian forces against Ukrainian military targets.
He pointed out that if these North Korean soldiers were to engage in combat, they would be considered "fair targets," raising the risk of casualties among them.
As the situation unfolds, Kirby explained that these soldiers are currently undergoing basic combat training at several military sites in eastern Russia. The U.S. analysis aligns with reports from South Korea's intelligence agency, which also indicated that around 3,000 North Korean soldiers had been sent to Russia, with expectations that up to 10,000 troops could be deployed by December.
The U.S. government is preparing to announce a significant round of sanctions targeting individuals and entities that support Russia's war efforts in Ukraine, particularly those located outside of Russia.
Kirby reiterated that Russia's collaboration with the North Korean military violates multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, which prohibit arms procurement from North Korea and military training.
The involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict would signify an unprecedented level of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, with implications not only for Europe but also for the Indo-Pacific region.
Kirby cautioned that if North Korean troops engage in combat, they could face serious dangers, as Ukrainian forces would defend themselves against any soldiers attacking them, regardless of their nationality.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also confirmed that the U.S. had observed evidence of North Korean troops being sent to Russia, but the specifics of their mission remain uncertain.
Austin expressed the need for further analysis to understand the reasons behind the troop deployment and what North Korea might seek in return from Russia.
In response to the situation, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, dismissed the South Korean intelligence analysis as "fake news" and warned of potential security consequences for South Korea if it decided to get involved in the Ukrainian crisis. She cautioned that Russia would respond to any perceived threats to its citizens, reflecting the tense dynamics in the region.
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