North Korean Troops in Ukraine: US Assesses Situation

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has revealed that up to 8,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed near the Ukrainian border in Russia.

US Estimates North Korean Troop Deployment

According to the United States, there are approximately 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia, with up to 8,000 stationed in the Kursk region. “We now estimate that there are a total of approximately 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia, and according to the latest information, up to 8,000 of these North Korean forces are stationed in the Kursk region,” said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Although the US government has yet to see any combat operations by the North Koreans against Ukrainian forces, “we assume that this will happen in the coming days,” Blinken continued. Such use would make the soldiers legitimate targets in war.

Uncertainty Surrounds North Korean Troop Deployment

It remains unclear whether North Korean troops could be used for combat operations on Ukrainian territory or fight in Ukrainian-occupied areas of Russia. According to UN diplomats, it is also possible that the North Koreans could be deployed behind the front and take on logistical tasks there, for example.

North Korean Troops in Russian Uniforms

South Korean intelligence had previously announced that North Korean soldiers in Russia were wearing Russian uniforms and had been given false identities to hide their true origins. Russian President Vladimir Putin does not deny the presence of North Korean troops and points out that Ukraine also relies on personnel from NATO countries.