**washington: **A senior U.S. administration official confirmed that thousands of North Korean troops are currently in Russia for training, though the purpose of their deployment remains unclear. This revelation comes amid growing concerns over Russia’s military strategies as it continues its conflict in Ukraine.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the confirmation was made in response to an inquiry, following Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s remarks in Rome. Austin stated that there is evidence suggesting North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to Russia. The official noted that while the exact mission of these troops is unknown, their presence signifies potential desperation on the part of the Kremlin as it faces significant casualties on the battlefield.
The official emphasized that if these troops were to engage in combat, it would underscore President Vladimir V. Putin’s struggles in Ukraine. The Pentagon chief also highlighted ongoing efforts to understand the deployment’s intentions and its implicati
ons for both Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.
Despite confirmation from Seoul regarding the troop deployment, the U.S. had not previously corroborated this, leading to speculation about potential discrepancies in intelligence between the two allies. Meanwhile, the State Department’s deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, mentioned that verification of the deployment is underway, dismissing any doubts about the reliability of South Korean intelligence.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported that approximately 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia so far, with expectations that the number could reach 10,000 by December. This information was disclosed to lawmakers during a closed-door parliamentary intelligence committee meeting.