The United States has confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, raising concerns about their potential involvement in the war in Ukraine. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin acknowledged reports from South Korean intelligence services, indicating that nearly 3,000 North Korean soldiers are in Russia for training, with plans to increase to 10,000 by December. Austin emphasized that if these troops were to fight alongside Russian forces, it would be a significant escalation.
The United States has been monitoring the military relationship between Russia and North Korea, highlighting a strategic partnership agreement that includes a mutual defense pact. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported that 1,500 special forces soldiers were sent to Russia to acclimate and potentially engage in combat in Ukraine.
Austin suggested that Russia’s high casualties from the ongoing conflict may be a driving factor for enlisting North Korean troops for support. The situation continues to unfold as global leaders assess the implications of North Korean involvement in the conflict.
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