The US has stated that they have evidence suggesting North Korea has deployed 3,000 troops to Russia for possible deployment in Ukraine, a move that could escalate Russia’s conflict with its neighbor. US defense secretary Lloyd Austin called the situation “very, very serious” and mentioned that if North Koreans were to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine, it would have serious implications. Furthermore, White House spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that the US believes 3,000 North Korean troops are currently undergoing training in Russia.
Pyongyang has allegedly promised to provide a total of about 10,000 troops for deployment in Ukraine, with the process expected to be completed by December. South Korean lawmakers have also noted that the alleged deployment could be due to Russia facing manpower issues following heavy casualties in the conflict.
North Korea has denied these allegations, calling them “fake news”, while also denying any weapons transfers. However, they did sign a mutual defense treaty with Russia earlier in the year. South Korea’s national intelligence service has also claimed that North Korea has sent 1,500 special forces personnel to Russia by ship for potential combat in Ukraine.
Seoul’s presidential office has urged an immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops from Russia and warned of potentially supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine if military ties between the two countries escalated further. This developing situation raises concerns about the possibility of increased involvement of foreign troops in the conflict in Ukraine.
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