U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hold a joint press conference with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun during a 2+2 meeting, at the State Department in Washington, U.S., October 31, 2024. REUTERS/Leah Millis
U.S. Reports Impending Deployment of North Korean Troops in Russia’s War Effort Against Ukraine
Overview
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Thursday that the United States expects North Korean soldiers in Russia to soon engage in combat operations against Ukrainian forces. Speaking alongside U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and their South Korean counterparts, Blinken emphasized that these North Korean soldiers would be considered legitimate military targets if they entered the battlefield.
Deployment and Training of North Korean Troops
According to Blinken, Russia has reportedly been training these North Korean troops in various military skills, including artillery, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and basic infantry tactics, with the apparent intent of utilizing them in direct frontline operations. Currently, an estimated 10,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in Russia, with approximately 8,000 positioned in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have actively engaged Russian troops near the border since August.
“We have not yet observed these troops deployed in active combat against Ukrainian forces, but we anticipate that happening within the coming days,” Blinken noted.
Joint U.S. and South Korean Responses to Potential Deployment
During the meeting, U.S. and South Korean officials discussed a range of potential responses to the expected deployment. Blinken characterized Russia’s reliance on North Korean forces as a sign of Moscow’s “clear weakness” in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This partnership marks an unusual and provocative military alliance, underscoring the intensifying nature of the conflict.
In a related announcement, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin indicated that new U.S. security assistance for Ukraine would be unveiled in the coming days, signaling ongoing support for Ukraine amid these latest developments.
Diplomatic Pressure on China
The U.S. and South Korea also addressed the role of China in regional stability, urging Beijing to take more decisive action to discourage North Korea from provocative military engagements. Blinken highlighted his recent “robust conversation” with Chinese officials, aimed at coordinating international efforts to address North Korea’s actions and broader security concerns in the region.
This latest development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and highlights the multifaceted diplomatic and military maneuvers underway among major global powers.
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