WASHINGTON: The United States has expressed significant concern regarding reports that North Korea is dispatching troops to aid Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. A White House official disclosed these concerns on Friday and noted that the U.S. would engage with its allies to understand the implications if these reports prove accurate.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has verified that North Korea plans to send approximately 12,000 troops to support Russia, with around 1,500 soldiers already deployed to Vladivostok. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett responded to these reports, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. “We are highly concerned by reports of DPRK soldiers fighting on behalf of Russia,” Savett stated, using the acronym for North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
While the U.S. has not confirmed the troop deployment, the potential involvement of North Korean forces in the conflict is seen
as a significant escalation. “If true, this would mark a dangerous development in Russia’s war against Ukraine,” Savett remarked, highlighting the necessity for consultation with allies and partners.
The confirmation from Seoul stands in contrast to the U.S.’s cautious stance, suggesting potential differences in intelligence assessments between the two allies. Savett further pointed out that if North Korea’s troop deployment is accurate, it would suggest Russia’s increasing desperation due to considerable battlefield losses. “If Russia is indeed forced to turn to the DPRK for manpower, this would be a sign of desperation, not strength, on the part of the Kremlin,” he added.
Recent reports indicate that Russia has suffered an average of over 1,200 casualties per day in its ongoing military operations. The comments from Savett align with earlier statements made by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby and State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, indicating a unified view within
the U.S. administration.