Defense Secretary Warns of North Korean Troops in Ukraine

Defense Secretary Warns of North Korean Troops in Ukraine

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concerns on Wednesday about the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, which he described as a “dangerous and destabilizing development.” Speaking alongside South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun in Washington, Austin warned that these troops, estimated to number up to 12,000, were likely to engage in combat in Ukraine.

Deployment by Regions

According to US and South Korean officials, North Korean troops are moving toward Russia’s Kursk region on the border with Ukraine. Ukraine’s UN Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya stated that some advance units have already arrived, while a senior South Korean official estimated that over 3,000 forces have reached combat zones in western Russia.

Russia’s Request for Reinforcement

Austin suggested that Russia’s request for North Korean troops signifies the degradation of its military strength due to losses sustained over the past two years of war in Ukraine. He noted that Russia has also sought military equipment from Iran.

Numbers and Details

Kyslytsya provided specific details to the UN Security Council, claiming that up to 12,000 North Korean troops were being trained at five bases in eastern Russia. He stated that these troops would be wearing Russian uniforms, carrying Russian weapons, and receiving Russian identity documents to conceal their presence.

Pyongyang’s Demands

Kim Yong-hyun raised concerns that North Korea may request advanced technologies, such as tactical nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, in exchange for its troops. He urged North Korea to withdraw its forces.

International Response

Austin indicated that the US is discussing potential responses to the deployment, which could prolong or broaden the conflict in Ukraine. He acknowledged that it could encourage other nations to become more directly involved.

Joint Exercises and Nuclear Deterrence

In their meeting, Austin and Kim agreed to continue large-scale military exercises between the US and South Korea. They also pledged to enhance cooperation on nuclear deterrence and improve their ability to respond to North Korean missile launches.

Additional Deployments

North Korea has provided munitions to Russia, and the White House released images earlier this month purportedly showing North Korea shipping 1,000 containers of military equipment by rail to Russia. It remains unclear what Russia will offer in return for these reinforcements.

Security Council Meeting

Kim Song, North Korea’s UN Ambassador, defended his country’s growing military cooperation with Russia, stating that Pyongyang is willing to respond to threats to Russia’s security interests.