U.S. Reveals Evidence of North Korean Troops in Russia, Potential Deployment to Ukraine
SEOUL – The United States announced for the first time on Wednesday that it has evidence of North Korea sending 3,000 troops to Russia, raising concerns that they may soon be deployed to support Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin described the situation as “very, very serious,” though it remains unclear exactly how the North Korean troops will be involved.
Austin made the revelation during a press conference in Rome, confirming the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia. He emphasized the gravity of the situation but noted that further developments are necessary to determine their specific role.
“There is evidence that there are DPRK troops in Russia,” Austin told reporters, using North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Troops Training in Russia
White House spokesperson John Kirby provided more details later in the day, confirming that the U.S. believes at least 3,000 North Korean troops are undergoing training at three military bases in eastern Russia. These soldiers were reportedly transported by ship from North Korea’s Wonsan region to Vladivostok in early October, before being relocated to the training sites.
Kirby also stated that if the North Korean troops are deployed to fight alongside Russian forces, they will be considered legitimate military targets by Ukraine’s defense forces. “They’re fair targets,” Kirby said, adding that Ukraine will respond to North Korean soldiers the same way they are defending themselves against Russian forces.
Alleged Deployment of 10,000 Troops
In South Korea, lawmakers have reported that North Korea promised to send a total of 10,000 troops to Russia, with the deployment expected to be completed by December. South Korea’s national intelligence agency detected signs of military training within North Korea as early as September, signaling potential plans for future engagement in Ukraine.
Park Sun-won, a member of the South Korean parliamentary intelligence committee, said, “Signs of troops being trained inside North Korea were detected in September and October.”
The escalating war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, has resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, and Russia is reportedly facing increasing difficulties with troop numbers. This has led to speculations about Russia’s reliance on external forces, including North Korean soldiers, to bolster its military operations.
Denial from Russia and North Korea
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, with the Kremlin labeling such claims as “fake news.” A North Korean representative at the United Nations called the allegations “groundless rumors.”
Despite these denials, reports of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea have surfaced. In June, the two countries signed a mutual defense treaty and pledged to strengthen military ties, further fueling concerns over the possibility of North Korean soldiers joining Russia’s efforts in Ukraine.
South Korea’s Response
South Korean intelligence has confirmed the presence of 1,500 North Korean special forces personnel in Russia, with expectations that they will be deployed after completing their training. The South Korean government has voiced strong opposition, urging the immediate withdrawal of these troops and warning of possible actions, including the provision of lethal weapons to Ukraine, if the situation escalates further.
The news of North Korea’s involvement in the war has prompted a strong reaction from Ukraine’s leadership as well. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly condemned the North Korean deployment and called on international allies to take action in response to what he calls evidence of North Korea’s participation in Russia’s war effort.
Growing Concerns Over North Korea’s Role
Military experts have raised concerns about the potential risks faced by North Korean troops, citing their lack of experience with modern warfare techniques, such as drone attacks. While North Korean soldiers reportedly possess strong physical attributes and high morale, Russian instructors believe their limited knowledge of advanced military equipment could lead to high casualties if they are deployed to the front lines.
As tensions rise, NATO allies are reportedly holding discussions on how to respond to North Korea’s growing involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. In the United States, officials have also suggested that North Korean troops could be deployed to strategic regions, such as eastern Ukraine or Russia’s Kursk region, where intense fighting has been ongoing.
U.S. President Joe Biden is under pressure to address the situation, with some lawmakers calling for direct military action against North Korean forces if they enter Ukraine’s sovereign territory.
The conflict in Ukraine has continued to draw in international actors, with the possibility of North Korean involvement marking a new and dangerous escalation. The global community will be watching closely as the situation develops.