U.S. Defense Secretary Warns of North Korean Troops in Russia Amid Ukraine Conflict
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed on Wednesday that there is credible evidence of North Korean troops being sent to Russia, with South Korea’s intelligence agency reporting that approximately 3,000 North Korean soldiers are in the country for military training. The troops are reportedly being trained on drones and other military equipment, potentially for deployment to combat zones in Ukraine.
Austin emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "If the troops join the war in Ukraine on Russia’s side, it will be a very, very serious issue," which could have ramifications not only for Europe but also for the Indo-Pacific region. He remarked that the specifics of the troops’ operations are still being investigated.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) had previously disclosed that the Russian navy transported 1,500 special warfare troops from North Korea to Russia last week. Lawmakers were informed in a closed-door meeting that an additional 1,500 troops have since entered, bringing the estimated total to 3,000, with an alarming projection that North Korea aims to send up to 10,000 troops by December.
NIS Director Cho Tae-yong noted that these troops are currently training at various military bases and have not yet been deployed to combat. Early reports indicate that Russian forces are instructing North Korean soldiers on the use of advanced military systems, including drones. Russian trainers have reportedly praised the physical strength and morale of the North Korean troops but expressed concerns over their lack of modern combat experience, anticipating significant casualties.
Furthermore, Cho revealed signs that North Korea is relocating the families of soldiers deployed to Russia to isolate them, and there are growing rumors among North Korean citizens about the troop movements, although the government has kept such news discreet.
In a related development, Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Directorate has indicated that North Korean soldiers are expected to arrive in Russia’s Kursk region imminently to assist Russian forces countering Ukrainian advances.
The increasing collaboration between North Korea and Russia has raised security alarms in South Korea. Officials are particularly concerned that Russia may respond to North Korean military support by enhancing its own military capabilities, potentially bolstering North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
In response to these developments, South Korea has indicated it may reconsider its policy of not supplying arms to Ukraine, a departure from its previous stance of only providing humanitarian and financial aid.
With a standing army of 1.2 million, North Korea has not been involved in large-scale military conflicts since the Korean War, raising questions about the effectiveness of its troops in a modern battlefield context. Nevertheless, experts suggest that North Korea’s primary motives are economic, seeking Russian support for its struggling economy and aspirations for technological advancements in its military capabilities.
