Moscow: Russia affirmed its intention to maintain strong relations with North Korea, dodging specific comments about the alleged use of North Korean troops in Ukraine, amidst international scrutiny.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov faced questions regarding the purported deployment of North Korean soldiers to support Russian military efforts in Ukraine. Peskov described the reports as filled with “contradictory information” and suggested that any queries about the deployment should be referred to the Russian Defense Ministry.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service had previously indicated that North Korea agreed to send approximately 12,000 troops to assist Russia, with about 1,500 already positioned in Vladivostok. This move, if confirmed, marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has expressed that while the U.S. cannot confirm these reports, the potential involvement of North Korean forces would
be a concerning development.
Despite these allegations, Peskov emphasized the importance of Russia’s relationship with North Korea, describing it as a partnership with a close neighbor that continues to develop across various sectors. He reassured that this alliance is not aimed against any third country and should not be viewed as provocative.