WASHINGTON: The top diplomats of South Korea and the United States have agreed to closely work together to respond to North Korean troops’ possible participation in Russia’s war in Ukraine and their additional deployment, Seoul’s foreign ministry said Friday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the issue at their bilateral talks in Washington on Thursday, following their “two plus two” meeting also involving the two countries’ defense chiefs. The ministry noted that both diplomats expressed concerns over the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea, particularly with North Korean troops reportedly stationed in the Kursk Oblast in Russia.
Cho and Blinken agreed to coordinate efforts and share information regarding any signs of North Korean troops engaging in combat or further deployments. After the two plus two meeting, Blinken revealed that the U.S. estimates around 8,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russi
a’s western front-line Kursk region, with expectations of them entering combat soon.
Additionally, Blinken mentioned that approximately 10,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia. Those already in the front lines could be considered “legitimate” military targets if they participate in combat against Ukrainian forces.
On the topic of the bilateral alliance, Cho requested Blinken’s support to ensure the smooth transition of key achievements made under the Joe Biden administration to the next U.S. administration. Blinken reiterated the strong bipartisan support for the alliance and his commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties, according to the Seoul ministry.
In a separate statement, the U.S. State Department indicated that both sides discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation on various global and regional issues. The two officials emphasized their shared commitment to deepening the U.S.-ROK Alliance, which remains vital for peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyo
nd. ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, South Korea’s official name.