Mike Turner, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, emphasized that potential North Korean troop involvement in the war against Ukraine “should become a red line” for the United States.

Increased military cooperation between Russia and North Korea comes from the ”strategic comprehensive partnership” signed earlier this year. If confirmed, this would mark North Korea’s first direct military intervention in Europe, potentially shifting global diplomatic dynamics. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, North Korea has increasingly supported Russia by supplying weapons, particularly artillery shells and missiles, and providing diplomatic backing. 

“North Korean troops, either attacking Ukraine from Russian territory or entering into Ukrainian territory, must be a red line for the United States and NATO. Your administration must make that absolutely clear and unequivocal,” Turner wrote in a letter to President Joe Biden.

Turner called for an “immediate” briefing from the White House regarding reports of potential North Korean troop involvement in the Ukraine war.

He argued that such a development would represent an “extraordinary escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.”

Earlier, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, revealed that approximately 11,000 North Korean infantry could be deployed to the war against Ukraine as early as 1 November. 

South Korean intelligence has also reported the transfer of North Korean military personnel to Russia.

However, Estonian intelligence suggested that the participation of North Korean soldiers would not significantly alter the situation at the front.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated at a press conference in Berlin that confirmed North Korean military participation would be indicative of the Kremlin’s “desperation.”

On 3 October, a Ukrainian missile strike in Russian-occupied Donetsk killed six North Korean officers and 20 Russian soldiers, according to Ukrainian intelligence sources. These North Korean officers were reportedly meeting with Russian counterparts, reflecting North Korea’s growing involvement in supporting Russia’s war efforts.

Related:

• ISW: Russia continues deepening relations with North Korea and Iran in exchange for lethal weaponry
• Why Ukraine’s fight is key to defeating Russia-China-North Korea alliance
• US official: North Korean troops in Ukraine would show Russian “desperation”
• WP: thousands of North Korean troops train in Russia for potential Ukraine deployment