Washington: The Pentagon confirmed Monday that North Korea has committed around 10,000 troops to assist Russia in Ukraine over the “next several weeks”, a strategic maneuver Western officials warn could escalate the conflict in Europe and intensify regional tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh noted that some North Korean units have already mobilized toward the frontlines, reportedly en route to Russia’s Kursk region, where Moscow is struggling to suppress Ukrainian forces. This influx of troops is expected to place additional strain on Ukraine’s already overstretched military, potentially shifting the dynamics of the largest European conflict since World War II, according to Western analysts.
Earlier in the day, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed Ukrainian intelligence suggesting North Korean forces were present in Kursk. “The North Korean deployment represents a significant escalation and a dangerous extension of Russia’s war,” Rutte remarked in Brussels, calling it a concerning development for the entire Indo-Pacific region, including nations like Japan and Australia.
This alliance with North Korea signals Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambition to redefine global power structures. Last week’s BRICS summit in Russia highlighted Putin’s continued efforts to challenge Western influence, with support from countries like China, India, and Iran, which has already supplied drones to Russia. Rutte underscored that North Korea’s engagement further strengthens this counter-Western bloc, indicating a serious shift in global alliances.
Upcoming talks between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his South Korean counterpart at the Pentagon will focus on North Korea’s growing involvement in Ukraine. Pentagon spokesperson Singh stated that U.S.-provided weaponry will remain unrestricted for Ukrainian defense against North Korean forces. “If DPRK troops move to frontline positions, they are co-belligerents in the war,” she emphasized.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also slated to meet his South Korean counterpart this week, underscoring heightened diplomatic coordination in response to Pyongyang’s actions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, however, downplayed Rutte’s remarks, highlighting a recent security pact between Russia and North Korea, yet avoided direct confirmation of North Korean troops in Russia. Lavrov further asserted that Western military advisors are already active in Ukraine, aiding Ukrainian forces with advanced weaponry supplied by the West.
Also Read | Pentagon: No New Restrictions on U.S. Arms for Ukraine if North Korea Joins Russia’s Fight
As Ukraine faces mounting pressure in the eastern Donetsk region, geopolitical stakes remain high with the U.S. presidential election approaching. A win for former President Donald Trump could potentially alter U.S. support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the capture of Tsukuryne, a village in Donetsk, as part of its slow advance. Secretary-General Rutte’s statements in Brussels followed a NATO briefing by a South Korean delegation, where intelligence and military officials shared insights on North Korea’s activities, although no direct evidence of North Korean soldiers in Kursk was presented.
NATO officials have yet to outline a formal response to North Korea’s involvement, but potential actions could include lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western weapons for long-range strikes on Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently claimed North Korean troops were poised to enter active combat, supported by intelligence indicating the deployment of roughly 10,000 North Korean personnel to Russian lines.
