On October 31, 2024, according to reports from Epoch Times, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated on Wednesday, October 30, that North Korean soldiers equipped with Russian military uniforms and gear are heading towards Ukraine, describing this as a dangerous and destabilizing development.
In a joint press conference with defense ministers from the US and South Korea held in Washington, Austin made the remarks regarding the North Korean deployment towards the Russia-Ukraine border region of Kharkiv.
It was mentioned that some North Korean troops are moving to the Kharkiv region, and Russian forces are reportedly working to contain Ukraine’s advances in the area.
Austin expressed that the possibility of Russian forces using these North Korean advance troops in combat is quite high.
The deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia has sparked global alertness, with leaders of various countries concerned that North Korea’s involvement may escalate the conflict in Ukraine.
During an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the UN, Sergiy Kyslytsya, stated that up to 4,500 North Korean soldiers are expected to arrive at the border this week and will directly engage in combat operations against Ukrainian forces starting in November.
Austin mentioned that discussions are ongoing on how to address this situation, acknowledging the potential for the conflict in Ukraine to escalate or prolong. When asked if it might prompt other countries to become more directly involved, he admitted it could “encourage other countries to take action,” but did not provide specific details.
Austin emphasized, “This is an issue we will continue to monitor, and we will continue to work with our allies and partners to prevent Russia from using these troops in combat.”
South Korean Defense Minister Kim Ryong-hyun stated that he does not believe this deployment will lead to a war on the Korean Peninsula but could increase security threats. He suggested that Pyongyang would likely request advanced military technology from Russia in return for its assistance, such as tactical nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile technology.
Both Kim and Austin urged North Korea to withdraw its troops.
Currently, Russia is compelled to divert some of its resources to the Kharkiv border region to counter Ukraine’s offensive. The US side believes that utilizing North Korean troops to bolster Russian defenses indicates that Russia’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened during the conflict over the past two years.
“They are doing this because Putin has lost a significant number of troops,” Austin remarked, highlighting that Russia has sought military weapons from North Korea and Iran.
“Putin bowed to North Korea and Iran, requesting them to provide military equipment,” Austin said, “The fact that he requested troops from North Korea, a country that is isolated, underscores the extent of his trouble.”
“Even with more assistance from North Korea, Putin will not achieve victory in Ukraine,” Austin asserted.
The US estimates that there are approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia, but Ukraine believes the number is higher.
Kyslytsya informed the UN Security Council that up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers are undergoing training at five bases in eastern Russia, including at least 500 officers and three generals from the General Staff.
In addition to wearing Russian uniforms and carrying Russian small arms, Kyslytsya mentioned that they would also receive Russian identity documents to “conceal their presence.” These individuals are expected to be integrated into forces made up of ethnic minorities in Russia, such as the Buryats.
Earlier, a South Korean senior official indicated during a background briefing that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers were believed to have moved to the western war zones in Russia.
A Ukrainian official informed the Associated Press that North Korean troops are stationed 50 kilometers away from the Ukraine-Russia border.
North Korea has also supplied ammunition to Russia. Earlier this month, the White House released images of North Korea transporting 1,000 containerized military equipment by rail to Russia.
According to a statement released by the Pentagon on Wednesday, the US and South Korea agreed to continue conducting large-scale military exercises to enhance nuclear deterrence and improve early warning systems to boost deterrence against North Korean missile threats.