French minister warns of escalation as North Korea may join Russia’s war
The possible deployment of North Korean soldiers to aid Russia in Ukraine has prompted responses from European officials, with France's top diplomat suggesting it indicates Russia's military challenges.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that if North Korean military forces indeed begin participating in Russia’s war against Ukraine on Russia’s side, it would constitute a serious development and indicate major difficulties for Russia.
The head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, said about 11,000 North Korean infantrymen are currently training in eastern Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on 13 October that North Korean specialists were being sent to assist the Russian occupation army.
“This would be a very serious development, as it takes the war to a new scale,” Barrot said, speaking at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Syhiha in Kyiv.
However, he added that it would also demonstrate that Russia faces serious difficulties in waging the war.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that if North Korean military participation on Russia’s side in the war against Ukraine is confirmed, it would demonstrate “the level of desperation” of the Kremlin.
The United States also expressed “concern” over the potential involvement of North Korean military personnel in Russia’s forces.
South Korean intelligence has also reported the transfer of North Korean military personnel to Russia.
Estonian intelligence believes that the participation of North Korean soldiers in the war on Russia’s side “will not change the situation” on the front.
French Prime Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Ukraine for the first time since Michel Barnier’s government was formed. Before this, Barrot and Sybiha met in Paris during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s European tour with his “victory plan.”
Read also:
- US House Intel chair: “North Korean troops in Ukraine must be a red line for the US”
- 95 Ukrainian defenders return from Russian captivity, including Azov fighters and POWs facing life sentences
- British PM Starmer: North Korean troops for war in Ukraine reflect Russia’s “desperation”
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