North Korean troops mass in Russia, may join Ukraine conflict
According to estimates, about 8,000 of the 10,000 soldiers sent from North Korea are currently in the Kursk region. They are expected to join the fight soon, said Lloyd Austin, the head of the Pentagon.
7:31 AM EDT, November 1, 2024
The US currently estimate that there are approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia, and the latest information suggests that around 8,000 of them have been deployed in the Kursk region. "We’ve not yet seen these troops deploy into combat against Ukrainian forces but we would expect that to happen in the coming days," Antony Blinken stated during a joint press conference with Blinken and the defense and foreign ministers of South Korea.
Blinken added that Russia is training the North Korean soldiers in artillery, drones, and basic infantry operations, which indicates plans to utilize these forces fully at the front.
"They would become legitimate military targets if they enter the battlefield," he commented.
The South Korean defense minister was asked whether Pyongyang's actions would influence Seoul's decision to provide Ukraine with offensive weapons. He responded that he is "not in a position to share the specifics" now. He emphasized that their government would make the final decision after the DPRK troops' active involvement in combat.
China is watching the situation
The South Korean Foreign Minister, Cho Tae-yul, noted that the actions of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's military are being closely watched by China, a traditional ally of Pyongyang.
"China is currently observing and waiting. And if the situation worsens, at that point, China, as a mediator or in another role, may intervene. If the moment comes when China’s interests are threatened, it is at that moment that China will start playing a role," Cho explained.
