UNITED STATES, Nov 1 (Alliance News): Top US officials announced on Thursday that approximately 8,000 North Korean troops are currently stationed in Russia’s Kursk region and are anticipated to engage in combat against Ukraine within days.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, alongside Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and South Korean counterparts, emphasized that these troops have received training in artillery, UAV operations, and basic infantry tactics, including trench clearing, suggesting they are prepared for frontline duties.
While the US has not yet observed these troops actively participating in combat, Blinken cautioned that if they do engage in hostilities or support operations against Ukraine, they would be classified as legitimate military targets.
The 8,000 North Korean troops represent a majority of the estimated 10,000 North Korean soldiers reportedly deployed to Russia.
This development comes amid increasing concerns over the military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, prompting the US and its allies to consider their response.
Austin confirmed that the US is in close consultation with regional allies regarding these developments and indicated that additional military support for Ukraine will be announced soon.
Ukrainian forces have maintained a presence in the Kursk region since launching a surprise incursion in August.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who urged South Korea to enhance its support for Ukraine, warned that the deployment of North Korean troops would likely lead to heavy losses for them, as Russia attempts to minimize its own troop mobilization.
When asked if Ukraine could hold its territory in Kursk against the new North Korean forces, Austin expressed confidence, stating, “The answer is yes.”
He noted that Russian forces have endured significant casualties during the ongoing conflict, and the number of North Korean troops being sent to Kursk “pales in comparison” to the losses Russia faces.
During a meeting in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised the “very close contacts” between the North Korean and Russian military and intelligence services, asserting that this cooperation addresses critical security tasks for both nations.
This meeting marked the sixth engagement this year between Lavrov and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui.
In response to the escalating situation, Blinken and Austin reiterated calls for China to leverage its influence over North Korea to mitigate these “provocative actions.”
Blinken highlighted recent communications with China, expressing concern that the deepening military collaboration between Pyongyang and Moscow could destabilize the region, which should also alarm Beijing.
Zelensky, in an interview with South Korea’s KBS, expressed surprise at China’s silence regarding North Korea’s support for Russia, stating, “I can’t say that China is on our side, but as a regional security guarantor, its silence is striking.”
