Washington: North Korea has deployed at least 3,000 troops to eastern Russia earlier this month, according to a White House official. This development raises concerns that these troops might engage in combat to support Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine following their training in Russia.
According to Yonhap News Agency, National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby confirmed the movement of North Korean troops from the Wonsan area to Vladivostok, Russia, by ship during early- to mid-October. Kirby stated that the troops are currently receiving basic combat and familiarization training at multiple Russian military sites in eastern Russia. The U.S. has not yet determined the troops’ mission but considers the potential for their involvement in combat alongside Russian forces as “highly concerning.”
The U.S. analysis aligns with the assessment by South Korea’s intelligence agency, which estimates that a total of 10,000 North Korean soldiers could be deployed to Russia by December. Kirby emphasized that
if North Korean troops engage in combat, they would be considered “fair targets” by Ukrainian forces, potentially leading to casualties.
Kirby also announced that the United States plans to introduce a significant set of sanctions targeting entities outside Russia that are enabling the conflict in Ukraine. He highlighted that Russia’s military cooperation with North Korea violates multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions prohibiting arms procurement and military training from North Korea.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin corroborated the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, but the exact purpose of their deployment remains unclear. The U.S. is working to gain further clarity on the situation and its implications.
In response to these developments, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, dismissed South Korea’s intelligence report as “fake news” and warned of security consequences for Seoul should it become involved in the Ukrainian crisis. South Korea has expressed its intent to take
phased measures against the deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, including potential arms support to Ukraine.
The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics and potential security risks in the region, as international actors react to North Korea’s military engagement with Russia.