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Pentagon Confirms North Korean Troops in Russia with Unclear Mission.
On October 23, 2024, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, marking the first official acknowledgment from Washington of a development that has raised concerns among Western allies. This announcement, made during a press conference in Rome, follows several days of warnings from South Korea and Ukraine, both of which have expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of responsiveness from Western powers. Pyongyang’s involvement alongside Moscow could signal a new phase in the war in Ukraine, as Russia appears to seek additional support in light of its mounting military losses.
Reports from South Korea and Ukraine indicate that North Korea has pledged to send up to 10,000 soldiers to Russia by December, with approximately 3,000 already deployed (Picture source: KNCA)
Lloyd Austin stated that there is "evidence of North Korean troops in Russia," though the exact nature of their mission remains unclear. He added that the U.S. is working to gather more details and emphasized that if these troops were intended to participate in the Ukraine conflict, it would be a "very serious issue." These comments come at a time when the alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow is strengthening, a development some observers see as a sign of increasing pressure on Russia to bolster its war efforts.
Reports from South Korea and Ukraine indicate that North Korea has pledged to send up to 10,000 soldiers to Russia by December, with approximately 3,000 already deployed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that two North Korean units, consisting of thousands of soldiers, are currently being trained for their upcoming deployment. South Korean intelligence also reported that some of these soldiers have received Russian uniforms and weapons to conceal their identity. They are said to have been sent to the Kursk region, where recent Ukrainian incursions have occurred.
The involvement of North Korean troops in Russia is seen by some as a sign of the Kremlin's desperation, given the significant losses Russian forces have suffered over the past two years. Austin noted that this cooperation between Russia and North Korea could also have implications in the Indo-Pacific region, where tensions with North Korea are already high. This military presence could provide Pyongyang with valuable combat experience and access to Russian military technologies in exchange for its support.
South Korea summoned the Russian ambassador to demand the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops, while Seoul is now considering increasing its military aid to Ukraine, including the provision of both defensive and offensive weapons. Until now, South Korea had limited its support for Ukraine to humanitarian and financial aid, avoiding direct arms shipments.
This new military cooperation between Russia and North Korea comes in a context where both countries have denied any direct involvement of North Korean troops in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that there is "conflicting information" on the matter, while emphasizing that the cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is "not directed against anyone."
Nevertheless, military analysts believe that the presence of North Korean troops in Russia may provide limited tactical assistance to Moscow. Although North Korea boasts an impressive army on paper, it lacks recent battlefield experience, having not been involved in a major conflict since the Korean War in the 1950s. However, this situation could offer Kim Jong Un an opportunity to test his armed forces and improve his weapons systems, a development that is of particular concern to South Korea.