North Korea has deployed at least 3,000 soldiers to eastern Russia, marking an unprecedented level of military cooperation between the two nations, according to US officials.
The White House’s National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said on 23 October that North Korean troops traveled by ship from the Wonsan area to Vladivostok, Russia, in early-to-mid October. According to Kirby, these forces are currently stationed at multiple Russian military training sites in eastern Russia.
Earlier the same day, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in Russia during remarks to traveling press in Rome, Italy.
“Well, our analysts are — they continue to look at this, and we are seeing evidence that there are North Korean troops that have gone to Africa. And I wouldn’t — excuse me, not Africa but Russia. What exactly they’re doing will have to be seen,” Austin told reporters.
Austin suggested that the US will monitor the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia, warning that their involvement as co-belligerents would have serious global repercussions, affecting both Europe and the Indo-Pacific, with South Korea closely following the issue.
The White House assessment indicates the troops are undergoing basic combat training and familiarization, though their exact intended role remains unclear.
“We do not yet know whether these soldiers will enter into combat alongside the Russian military, but this is certainly a highly concerning probability,” Kirby stated.
US officials characterized the development as a sign of Russia’s growing military challenges.
“This is an indication that he [Russia’s ruler Putin] may be even in more trouble than most people realize,” Secretary Austin said.
The White House emphasized that any North Korean troops engaging in combat would become legitimate military targets for Ukraine.
“If they do deploy to fight against Ukraine, they’re fair game,” Kirby warned.
Kirby noted that Moscow’s cooperation with Pyongyang’s military “is in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, which prohibit the procurement of arms from North Korea and military arms training. This move is likewise a violation.”
The White House said it has briefed the Ukrainian government and is consulting with allies about potential responses to this development.
Related:
- South Korea’s response to North Korean troops in Russia may include arms transfers
- Satellites show North Korea profits from supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine
- Pentagon confirms Ukraine’s claim: North Korean troops now in Russia
- Budanov: First North Korean troops deploy to Russia’s Kursk Wednesday
- South Korea considers sending personnel to Ukraine as North deploys troops to Russia
- Ukraine demands global response to North Korea’s military support for Russia’s war machine
- French minister warns of escalation as North Korea may join Russia’s war
- Ukraine’s spy chief: 11,000 North Korean soldiers will be ready to fight against Ukraine starting from November
- Russians search for 18 North Korean deserters near Ukraine’s border, Ukrainian intel source says