UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expresses serious concern about the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, and particularly their positioning near the Ukrainian front.
North Korean soldiers at the gates of Ukraine
The sending of North Korean troops to Russia raises international questions and concerns. According to American sources, up to 10,000 North Korean troops are believed to have crossed Russian borders, with 8,000 now stationed in the Kursk region, close to Ukraine. This massive deployment could mean active participation by North Korea alongside Moscow, especially since the Kremlin’s intentions remain ambiguous. « This would represent a very dangerous escalation of the conflict,” warns UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in a press release dated November 3, 2024.
Ties between Russia and North Korea have intensified in recent months, particularly since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June 2024. This meeting marked the signing of a mutual defense agreement between Putin and Kim Jong. One, laying the foundations for military cooperation. According to Choe Son Hui, North Korean Foreign Minister, his country will support Russia until its “victory” in Ukraine.
A “deep concern” from the UN in the face of a potential escalation
The head of the UN, Antonio Guterres, is closely monitoring the evolution of this unexpected alliance and alerting world powers. The idea of North Korea playing an active role in the war in Ukraine deeply worries the Secretary-General, who calls for vigilance. For the UN, this foreign military involvement, which appears to circumvent international sanctions against Pyongyang, exacerbates an already complex and unstable conflict.
If the presence of North Korean troops in Russia is confirmed, this alliance could redefine geopolitical balances, particularly in North-East Asia and Europe. Washington, through Antony Blinken, head of American diplomacy, expresses its concern about the repercussions of this situation on European security.
