North Korea has sent at least 3,000 troops to Russia – White House

The United States possesses information regarding North Korean military training in Russia. However, it remains unclear whether these troops will be directly involved in the war against Ukraine.

Source: John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, at a briefing on Wednesday, 23 October.

Details: Kirby noted that "between early to mid-October, North Korea moved at least 3000 soldiers into eastern Russia".

"We assess that these soldiers travelled by ship from the Wansan area in North Korea to Vladivostok, Russia. These soldiers then travelled onward to multiple Russian military training sites in eastern Russia where they are currently undergoing training," he added.

The White House advisor explained that it is unclear whether these North Korean troops will be directly engaged in combat operations against Ukraine alongside Russian troops.

"But this is certainly a highly concerning probability. After completing training, these soldiers could travel to western Russia and then engage in combat against the Ukrainian military," Kirby said.

He said that the US has communicated its view of the situation to the Ukrainian side and is in close communication with allies, partners and countries in the region regarding "the implications of such a dramatic move" and "how we might respond".

"But let's be clear: if North Korean soldiers do enter into combat, this development would demonstrate Russia's growing desperation in its war against Ukraine," the White House official said, adding that it "would be a sign of weakness, not strength on the part of the Kremlin".

Background:

• On Wednesday, South Korean intelligence reported that Pyongyang had sent 3,000 troops to Russia to support Russian forces in their war against Ukraine and was also trying to isolate the families of selected soldiers in a certain place to prevent information from spreading.
• In this context, Germany and Austria summoned the North Korean ambassadors.

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