NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed on Monday that North Korean troops have been sent to help Russia in its war against Ukraine, indicating a deepening alliance between the two nations. Rutte expressed concerns over the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, labeling it as a threat to security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions.
Rutte disclosed that North Korean troops have been deployed to the Kursk region in support of Russia's efforts to repel a Ukrainian incursion. This development signifies a significant escalation in the conflict, according to Rutte, and underscores the extent of foreign involvement in Russia's actions.
With over 600,000 Russian soldiers reportedly killed or wounded in the ongoing conflict, Rutte emphasized Putin's reliance on external support to sustain the assault on Ukraine. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin echoed Rutte's concerns, highlighting the seriousness of the situation if North Korean troops are indeed deployed to Ukraine.
Despite denials from the Kremlin and North Korean representatives, Rutte's statements came following a briefing by a South Korean delegation to NATO ambassadors. The alliance is actively engaging with Ukraine and Indo-Pacific partners to assess the evolving situation and its implications on regional security.
Rutte refrained from taking questions after his statement, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring of the developments. The deployment of North Korean troops in support of Russia's military operations has raised alarms within the international community, prompting heightened vigilance and diplomatic consultations among concerned parties.
