U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that there is evidence suggesting the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, raising concerns about their potential involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Austin emphasized that it would be a "very serious" development if these troops were preparing to fight alongside Russian forces, as alleged by Ukraine.
During a press briefing in Rome, Austin noted, "There is evidence that there are DPRK troops in Russia," but indicated that their specific role remains unclear. He referred to intelligence reports from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, which suggest that North Korea may have deployed up to 12,000 troops to support Russia in the war.
The Kremlin has dismissed these claims, asserting that North Korea has not sent military personnel to assist Russia. However, the strengthening of military ties between North Korea and Russia, particularly following their leaders' meetings in the past year, has raised alarms about potential collaboration.
Austin mentioned that the deployment of North Korean troops could signify deeper issues within the Russian military, hinting at significant manpower challenges. U.S. officials estimate that Russia has faced over 600,000 casualties since the war began.
Additionally, South Korea’s intelligence agency reported that North Korea has sent approximately 1,500 special forces to Russia's Far East for training and potential combat roles in Ukraine. The agency has also identified North Korean officers in eastern Ukraine, allegedly assisting Russian forces and using North Korean weaponry.
Despite denials from both Russia and North Korea regarding arms transfers, reports indicate that North Korea has shipped vast quantities of military supplies to Russia since August of the previous year.
Austin concluded by expressing the need for further investigation into the intelligence surrounding North Korean involvement, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
"What they are actually doing remains unclear and is something we need to investigate further," Austin stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has mentioned intelligence suggesting that two units of North Korean troops, potentially numbering up to 12,000, are preparing to fight alongside Russian forces.
Austin remarked, "We’ll keep examining this situation to see how it develops. If they are indeed co-belligerents and intend to participate in this conflict on Russia's behalf, it poses a very serious concern."
Last week, South Korea's intelligence agency reported that North Korea has dispatched 1,500 special forces troops to Russia's Far East for training and acclimatization at local military bases, with a likelihood of being deployed for combat in Ukraine.
The National Intelligence Service of South Korea noted that it has been collaborating with Ukrainian intelligence and has utilized facial recognition technology to identify North Korean officers in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, who are reportedly supporting Russian forces by operating North Korean missiles.
0 Comments