Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine anticipates Russia to send North Korean soldiers to combat zones by the end of October.
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to questions on Oct. 24 regarding the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia by stating that Moscow has the authority to determine how to implement its mutual defense clause with Pyongyang.
Multiple intelligence reports from various countries suggest that North Korean troops are in Russia and preparing to participate in the conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskyy announced on Friday that Ukraine foresees the first North Korean troops being sent to combat zones by the end of the month.
In a statement posted on social media platform X on Oct. 25, Zelenskyy stated: “According to intelligence, the first North Korean soldiers are expected to be deployed by Russia to combat zones as early as October 27–28. This is a clear escalation by Russia.”
During a press conference at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, Putin addressed claims about North Korean troop movements shown in satellite imagery, acknowledging the significance of such images. He specifically mentioned Article 4 of the Russian partnership deal with North Korea, emphasizing that decisions made within this framework are Moscow’s prerogative.
Putin also mentioned the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine, highlighting that Russia is aware of the European NATO countries involved and their activities.
Regarding the use of North Korean troops, Putin emphasized that it is a sovereign decision for Russia to make. He stated, “When we have to decide something, we will decide … but it is our sovereign decision whether we will apply it, whether we will not, whether we need it. This is our business.”
A North Korean representative at the United Nations in New York dismissed U.S. and South Korean intelligence claims about sending troops to Russia as “groundless rumors.”
Ukraine
On Oct. 17, Zelenskyy expressed concerns at a press conference in Brussels, revealing intelligence indicating that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers were preparing to engage in conflict against Ukraine.
Describing this development as a potential catalyst for a global conflict, Zelenskyy’s military intelligence service reported that the initial North Korean units trained in Russia had been stationed in the Kursk region.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Oct. 23 that evidence suggests North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia, although the reasons behind this deployment remain unclear.
Austin mentioned during a news conference in Rome that U.S. analysts are actively assessing the available information to determine the nature of North Korean activities in Russia.
Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, called for potential “direct military action” by the United States if North Korean forces enter Ukraine.
Turner emphasized the need for the U.S. government to establish clear boundaries, declaring North Korea’s involvement in the conflict as a “red line” that should not be crossed.
In a statement posted on X, Turner stated, “If North Korean troops were to invade Ukraine’s sovereign territory, the United States needs to seriously consider taking direct military action against the North Korean troops.”
South Korea
Last week, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) released satellite evidence suggesting that North Korean soldiers are being dispatched to Russia.
The NIS reported observing top North Korean official Kim Jeong-sik visiting the KN-23 missile launch site near the Russia–Ukraine border multiple times in early August, accompanied by military officers providing guidance.
The agency further stated that in early October, ships were observed transporting groups of 1,500 North Korean soldiers to Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, confirming the involvement of North Korean special forces in the conflict.
This marks the first instance of the Russian naval fleet entering North Korean waters since 1990, according to the intelligence agency.
Ryan Morgan, Bill Pan, and Reuters contributed to this report.
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