International Reports of North Korean soldiers in Russia: USA warns

The USA is following reports about the possible involvement of North Korean troops in the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine with concern.

"If true, this is a dangerous and highly worrying development," said US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Monday (local time). This would represent an "obvious deepening of military relations" between Moscow and Pyongyang. The broadcaster CBC published a corresponding recording of the UN meeting.

"We are consulting with our allies and partners on the implications of such a dramatic step," Wood continued. Should Russia actually turn to North Korea for additional troops, this would be a "sign of desperation on the part of the Kremlin". According to the recording, Wood had previously stated that there were reports that North Korea had already sent troops and was preparing to send more soldiers to Ukraine to fight alongside Russia.

Observers from South Korea in Ukraine?

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the South Korean presidential office announced that it would respond to the North Korean-Russian military cooperation with "gradual measures". As reported by the Yonhap news agency on Tuesday, South Korea is reportedly considering sending observers to Ukraine to analyze the activities of North Korean soldiers. The government in Seoul could also consider supplying weapons to Ukraine in future. So far, South Korea has not supplied any weapons directly to Ukraine for fear of an escalation of the conflict.

NATO also said on Monday that it would be a "significant escalation" if the reports were confirmed. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced last week that according to his country's intelligence service, North Korean troops were already in Russia.

According to the information, around 1,500 soldiers are said to have been transported in Russian ships to Vladivostok, where they are presumably being prepared for deployment in the Ukraine war. In total, North Korea is said to have decided to send around 12,000 soldiers for support, including special forces.

In June, Russia and North Korea not only agreed on close military cooperation, but also on assistance in the event of external attacks. North Korean soldiers could therefore be deployed in the defense of the Russian region of Kursk, which has been invaded by Ukrainian troops. The Ukrainian army has occupied dozens of locations in the Kursk region since the beginning of August in order to counter the Russian invaders in their war of aggression with their own conquests.

SDA