The North Korean troops transferred to the Kursk region in Russia, close to the border with Ukraine, are dressed in Russian uniforms and equipped with Russian weapons.
“According to the latest intelligence, North Korea has sent 10,000 soldiers who are undergoing training in the eastern part of Russia. Some of these North Korean units have already been transferred closer to Ukraine,” said the head of the US Department of Defense, Lloyd Austin, after a meeting with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.
Austin noted that consultations are underway among allies on the steps that will be taken in response to Russia and North Korea’s actions, which could expand or prolong the war in Ukraine. When asked if it could prompt other countries to become directly involved in the war, Austin said it could “prompt others to take action” but did not elaborate.
The US Defense Minister also emphasized that even with North Korea’s support, Russia will not defeat Ukraine. According to him, the Russians are looking for help from the DPRK “because Putin has lost a lot of troops.”