Pentagon: Evidence Shows 3K North Korea Troops in Russia
Pentagon: Evidence Shows 3K North Korea Troops in Russia
The Facts
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday that the Pentagon has evidence that North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia, with National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby later detailing that at least 3K soldiers are undergoing training there.
Additionally, NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah issued a statement via email that day confirming that the military alliance is aware of and discussing the matter.
The Spin
If North Korean troops are deployed to the frontlines, the military tensions between the West and nuclear-armed North Korea would further increase. However, it's more likely that Pyongyang sent construction workers, technicians, engineers, and military intelligence officers, rather than fighters.
In sending troops to fight in Ukraine, North Korea becomes directly involved in the conflict, paving the steps for another world war. This is an outrageous step that must be condemned and addressed by Western partners.
Russia has a long history of friendship and cooperation with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The recent ratification of the strategic partnership treaty between the two countries only formalizes the nations' existing relationships — including that Russia will defend the DPRK in the case of an attack on its territory and vice versa.
