What we know: Are North Koreans involved in Ukraine conflict?

Seoul, South Korea CNN — North Korea may be gearing up to play a more direct role in Russia’s war in Ukraine, potentially having far-reaching implications beyond the European battlefield. Recent reports claim that North Korean troops are being trained in Russia with plans to deploy them to Ukraine, a move denied by Russia and North Korea, but raising concerns in Kyiv and Washington about their expanding military partnership.

Ukraine’s President and intelligence agencies have warned about North Korean troops allegedly participating in Russia’s war. South Korea has responded by urging the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops, citing violations of UN Security Council resolutions.

Seoul is considering diplomatic, economic, and military countermeasures against the alleged deployment, as they assess the potential impacts on their security. This situation underscores the high stakes involved, with North and South Korea still technically at war and tensions escalating amid the global conflict.

The deployment of North Korean troops to assist Russia could mark a significant shift for the isolated regime, providing them with invaluable combat experience and technical training. Analysts warn of the dangerous implications of such a move, prompting global concern and calls for further investigation.