The U.S. has raised concerns about the potential involvement of North Korean troops in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as tensions increase over a possible third party joining the fight. On October 23, U.S. officials confirmed that North Korea is considering support for Russia in its war against Ukraine, following similar claims from Ukraine and South Korea.
John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, suggested that North Korean forces could be heading to the Kursk region, a site of previous skirmishes. “It’s certainly possible, if not likely, that some troops may be deployed there,” he stated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns about the deployment, framing it as a significant escalation and calling for a strong response from global leaders. “This is a concerning development that needs attention,” he wrote on Telegram.
Tetiana Hranchak from Syracuse University noted that North Korea’s involvement would further highlight the conflict’s global implications. Reports indicate that North Korean soldiers have been undergoing training in Vladivostok, with an estimated 10,000 troops potentially ready for deployment after a month of preparation, according to South Korean intelligence.
While U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed specific operational plans, some sources suggest that thousands of North Korean soldiers could soon be active in combat roles. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans mentioned that intelligence indicated at least 1,500 North Koreans had been dispatched to the Kursk area.
Interestingly, a Ukrainian air assault brigade reported no sighting of North Korean forces, emphasizing that these troops lack experience in large-scale, modern warfare. Meanwhile, Putin recognized the gravity of the situation, asserting that satellite evidence supports the claims. North Korea’s Foreign Ministry, while not confirming troop deployments, stated any action taken would adhere to international laws.