North Korean troops in Russian uniforms are heading toward Ukraine, US says
Briefly

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that North Korean troops in Russian uniforms, equipped with Russian gear, are moving to the Kursk region, heightening concerns over their potential deployment in the Ukraine conflict. He characterized the influx of as many as 11,000 North Korean military personnel to Russia as a dangerous maneuver, jeopardizing stability in the region. The U.S. is currently deliberating its response to this unsettling development.
During a press briefing, Austin expressed apprehension about the likelihood of North Korean forces being utilized in warfare, emphasizing that decisions regarding their employment in combat remain uncertain. He pointed out, however, that this situation is under careful scrutiny, as it presents significant implications for regional security and the dynamics of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun acknowledged the complexity of the troop deployment, suggesting it may not necessarily lead to immediate conflict on the Korean Peninsula. However, he warned that this move could amplify security threats from North Korea, possibly influencing their demands for enhanced military technology, particularly in nuclear arms.
A senior official in South Korea revealed that current assessments indicate the presence of about 11,000 North Korean troops in Russia, with over 3,000 having shifted towards combat zones within western Russia. The involvement of these forces, especially as they advance towards the frontline in Kursk, raises alarms regarding the strategic landscape of the ongoing war against Ukraine.
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
[
|
]