The United States estimates that there are as many as 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia, including 10,000 in the Kursk region. “If these troops are involved in combat support operations against Ukraine, they will become legitimate targets”Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said Monday, echoing similar statements by US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin.
The spokesperson said the Pentagon was “reviewing” intelligence suggesting North Korean combat operations. These troops arrived in Russia last month and were trained in infantry and artillery tactics, clearing trenches and using drones, officials said.
“All indications are that these Soldiers will provide combat or combat support capability to some degree,” Mr. Ryder said in a statement. “We expect the Ukrainians to do what they need to do to defend themselves and their personnel,” he added.
For his part, Ukrainian Prime Minister Vladimir Zelensky also mentioned the presence of 11,000 North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, not far from the Ukrainian border, in his daily video message broadcast in the evening.
“We are seeing an increase in North Koreans, but unfortunately no increase in reaction from our partners,” lamented the leader of the country at war.
He based his comments on information from Ukrainian intelligence services. kyiv expects that these North Korean troops will soon be integrated into Russian efforts to invade Ukraine.
war in ukraine zelensky north koreans russia
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