North Korean Troops Poised to Enter Ukraine Conflict Amid Heightened Tensions with U.S. and Allies
In a significant escalation, North Korea may soon join the ongoing conflict in Ukraine by sending troops to support Russian forces, according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Speaking alongside Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean officials on Thursday, Blinken said the U.S. and its allies are monitoring developments closely, with as many as 10,000 North Korean troops stationed in Russia, including an estimated 8,000 in the Kursk region, a Russian area where Ukrainian forces have recently made advances.
Blinken expressed concern that North Korean soldiers, reportedly being trained in artillery, drone operations, and infantry tactics by Russian forces, could be deployed to combat Ukrainian forces imminently. Blinken stated that this deployment would mark a new phase in Russia’s “meat grinder” approach to warfare, where the involvement of North Korean troops would serve as “a clear sign of weakness” on Russia’s part.
“We have yet to see these troops engaged in active combat, but based on current intelligence, we anticipate their deployment in the coming days,” Blinken said. He emphasized that if these forces are deployed, they would become legitimate targets for Ukrainian military action.
The remarks came as North Korea conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, marking its longest-range launch to date, which South Korea noted could put most of the United States within reach. South Korean and Japanese officials joined Blinken and Austin in condemning the launch as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The missile’s flight duration of 87 minutes marked a troubling expansion of Pyongyang’s capabilities, underscoring growing cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
In addition to ground support, intelligence suggests that North Korea may be providing missile technology to Russia. This potential technology transfer has alarmed officials, who warn that such a move could destabilize security across Asia. Blinken urged China to use its diplomatic influence to curb North Korea’s provocative actions, stating that U.S. and South Korean officials recently had “robust conversations” with Chinese leaders about the risks posed by closer military ties between Russia and North Korea.
Despite these calls, China has so far refrained from direct intervention, reiterating its stance for diplomatic de-escalation and a political resolution. China, which entered into a “no limits” partnership with Russia shortly before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has denied accusations of supporting Moscow’s war efforts and described its trade with Russia as “normal.”
Defense Secretary Austin indicated that U.S. support for Ukraine would continue, with new security aid packages expected to be announced in the coming days. Austin also acknowledged the challenges posed by North Korea’s involvement, though he noted that North Korean troops would be few in number compared to Russia’s recent losses, which he estimated at 1,250 casualties daily.
The U.S., along with allies including France, Japan, and the United Kingdom, has called for a U.N. Security Council meeting to address North Korea’s ICBM launch and the broader implications of its partnership with Russia. That meeting is likely to take place on Monday.
While North Korea’s involvement in the conflict raises significant concerns for U.S. allies in Asia and Europe, analysts suggest China may avoid taking an assertive stance against these developments. Some experts argue that Beijing’s reluctance could signal a broader regional shift, where Pyongyang’s growing partnership with Moscow might challenge China’s influence over North Korea and intensify collaboration between Western allies.
The developments mark a troubling escalation in the Ukraine conflict, raising both geopolitical and security stakes in an already tense global landscape.
