Washington: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated on Wednesday that North Korean troops, donning Russian uniforms and equipped with Russian gear, are moving into the Kursk region near Ukraine, a development he described as dangerous and destabilising. Addressing media personnel in Washington alongside South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, Austin expressed concerns over North Korea’s deployment of up to 11,000 troops to Russia. He noted that some of these troops are reportedly heading toward the Kursk area, where Russian forces have faced difficulties in countering a Ukrainian offensive.
A senior South Korean official indicated that over 3,000 North Korean troops are believed to be moving toward combat zones in western Russia, though specific locations were not disclosed.
Austin suggested that it is “pretty high” likely that Russia will employ these North Korean forces in combat. He acknowledged ongoing discussions about the implications of this troop deployment, which could potentially escalate or prolong the conflict in Ukraine. When asked whether this might prompt other nations to intervene more directly, he recognized the possibility but did not elaborate further.
Kim, for his part, expressed scepticism that the troop movements would trigger conflict on the Korean Peninsula, but he warned it could heighten security threats between North Korea and South Korea. He suggested there is a “high possibility” that North Korea may seek advanced military technologies, including tactical nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, in exchange for its troop deployment. Both leaders called on North Korea to withdraw its forces.
The strengthening of ties between North Korea and Russia has raised alarms worldwide, with concerns about how it may affect the situation in Ukraine and what military support Russia might offer to Pyongyang in return. Austin emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin has suffered significant troop losses, leading Moscow to either mobilize additional forces or seek external assistance, including from nations like North Korea and Iran.
U.S. estimates indicate approximately 10,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia, but South Korean officials suggest that figure could be as high as 11,000. A Ukrainian official reported that North Korean troops are stationed just 50 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, although specifics were not disclosed.
With Russian forces needing to redirect resources to the Kursk region to address Ukraine’s advances, US leaders contend that the involvement of North Korean troops reflects a notable decline in Russia’s military capabilities after more than two years of conflict.
In addition to troop deployments, North Korea has previously supplied munitions to Russia, with the White House releasing images earlier this month of North Korean military equipment being transported by rail.
A critical question remains regarding what North Korea might demand in exchange for its troop assistance, though officials have not clarified specific requests or offers.
In their meeting at the Pentagon, Austin and Kim agreed to continue large-scale military exercises, enhance nuclear deterrence cooperation, and improve early warning systems to better respond to North Korean missile threats. They are scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul on Thursday.
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