The Pentagon has confirmed that a 'small number' of North Korean troops are currently in Russia's Kursk region near the Ukrainian border. Additionally, it is expected that a couple of thousand more soldiers will be arriving soon. This development follows the recent movement of at least 3,000 North Korean troops into eastern Russia in early to mid-October.
According to the Pentagon, approximately 10,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, with plans to join Russian forces near Ukraine in the coming weeks. The Pentagon expressed concerns that these troops may be utilized in combat operations against Ukraine.
While the exact role of the North Korean soldiers remains unclear, initial indications suggest they may be deployed in an infantry capacity. President Biden has also voiced his concerns about this troop movement and stated that if North Korean troops cross into Ukraine, a response may be warranted.
Intelligence officials from South Korea and Ukraine had previously reported on the transfer of North Korean troops to Russia. Both Russia and North Korea have denied these troop movements, despite claims from various sources.
South Korea has indicated that it may provide weapons to Ukraine in response to the deployment of North Korean troops. The deepening cooperation between Russia and North Korea has raised alarms among Western nations, with accusations of North Korea supplying arms to Russia to support its conflict with Ukraine.
The signing of a mutual military assistance pact between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June further underscores the growing ties between the two countries.
