North Korean troops in Russia spark global confusion
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary, commented on reports regarding the transfer of soldiers from North Korea to Russia, who were allegedly intended to reach the front in Ukraine eventually. "There is much conflicting information; it should probably be treated as such," he stated.
2:27 PM EDT, October 21, 2024
Many reports provided by Russian media or government representatives are elements of propaganda. Such reports are part of the information warfare conducted by the Russian Federation.
"We see many conflicting pieces of information. South Korea says one thing, then the Pentagon claims there is no confirmation of such statements. There is much conflicting information; it should probably be treated as such," said Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putin's spokesman, on Monday about the reports about the involvement of North Korean forces in the war in Ukraine.
Peskov also addressed the tightening cooperation between the countries. According to him, Russia has the "sovereign right" to develop relations in all fields. "This should not worry anyone, as this cooperation is not directed against any third countries. We will continue to develop this cooperation," said the Kremlin spokesman.
North Koreans heading to the front
Ukrainian media were the first to report the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia last week, citing data from the Ukrainian military intelligence agency HUR.
South Korean intelligence services confirmed this information on October 18. Seoul's services determined that Pyongyang sent around 1,500 soldiers to the Russian Far East at the beginning of the month. After training, the military personnel are expected to be deployed to the front in Ukraine. According to authorities in Seoul, North Korea is ready to send up to 12,000 soldiers.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who arrived in Kyiv on Monday, said on Saturday that he could not confirm the emerging reports.
