The United States has reported that approximately 8,000 North Korean troops have been stationed in Russia’s Kursk region near the Ukrainian border, indicating a potential role in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This presence marks a substantial increase, as U.S. officials noted earlier that only “some” North Korean forces had been positioned closer to Ukraine. The recent estimate of around 8,000 troops comes alongside higher figures from allied sources; South Korean officials and other allies suggest that the number has risen to 11,000, while Ukrainian authorities believe it could be as high as 12,000.
According to the U.S. administration, the deployment represents a significant escalation, with North Korean forces reportedly ready to support Russia in its campaign against Ukraine. Robert A. Wood, the Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed concern during a Security Council session, warning that North Korea’s involvement would dangerously extend the conflict. He further highlighted that Russia’s cooperation with North Korea in this regard contravenes multiple UN Security Council resolutions, which prohibit arms exchanges and military support between the two nations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged North Korean troop movements into the Kursk region, though he noted they had yet to participate in active combat. Speaking to South Korean media, he speculated that these forces would eventually engage in hostilities and implied that North Korean soldiers might be placed in vulnerable positions, where they would bear heavy casualties, with more soldiers likely pushed forward as the conflict escalates.
This alliance between North Korea and Russia has raised alarm globally, especially as the ramifications may affect both European stability and security within the Asia-Pacific region. In Washington, U.S. and South Korean leaders met recently to discuss the issue, expressing concerns over the expanding relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul issued a firm condemnation of the troop deployment, urging for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean forces. He warned that North Korea’s aggressive stance poses a dual threat to both Europe and the Korean peninsula, adding that Seoul stands prepared to respond as necessary.
The situation has also fueled speculation about possible military exchanges between Russia and North Korea, raising questions over whether North Korea might receive advanced military technology in exchange for its assistance. This prospect has prompted analysts to consider how other nations might respond, potentially involving their own forces in Ukraine’s defense or expanding support.
During a UN Security Council meeting, the Director of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, Adedeji Ebo, stated that both Russia and Ukraine continue to receive external military aid, including arms and ammunition, which has sustained and intensified the conflict. He further noted reports indicating the presence of additional foreign personnel in Russia, aiding military operations against Ukraine. Ebo called on all parties to exercise caution and avoid actions that might escalate the war further.
