North Korean Troop Deployment In Russia Raises Global Concerns

In this photo taken from a video released by Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, second left, holds a talk with Russian Foreign

Russia's top diplomat hosted his North Korean counterpart for talks in Moscow amid reports of North Korean troops being sent to Russia to support its military in the war in Ukraine. The Pentagon stated that North Korea has deployed about 10,000 troops to Russia to fight in Ukraine in the coming weeks, causing concern among Western leaders about a potential escalation in the Indo-Pacific region.

While the agenda of the talks between the two diplomats was not specified, South Korea's spy agency suggested that discussions might involve sending additional troops to Russia and negotiating benefits for North Korea. There are concerns that Russia could offer technology to enhance North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile program.

Russia's Foreign Minister praised the strong ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, proposing discussions on implementing a strategic partnership agreement signed earlier this year. North Korea expressed support for Russia's military actions in Ukraine, without directly confirming the presence of its troops in Russia.

Talks between Russian and North Korean diplomats held in Moscow.

North Korea deployed 10,000 troops to support Russia in Ukraine.

Speculation on additional troop deployment and benefits for North Korea.

Concerns over potential technology transfer for North Korea's nuclear program.

Russia and North Korea express support for each other's actions.

The United States and its allies accused North Korea of supplying artillery shells and equipment to Russia for its military operations in Ukraine. Russia and China have blocked efforts to tighten sanctions on North Korea at the Security Council, with Russia vetoing a resolution to extend the mandate of monitors overseeing sanctions against North Korea.

South Korea's President hinted at the possibility of supplying weapons to Ukraine, depending on the level of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. South Korea has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine and joined economic sanctions against Moscow but has refrained from directly arming countries in active conflict.

In recent developments, the Ukrainian air force reported intercepting missiles and drones launched by Russia, causing damage to civilian facilities in several regions. The Russian military claimed to have intercepted and destroyed Ukrainian drones near the border with Ukraine and Crimea, with reports of drones hitting residential areas and an oil depot.