Blinken reports deployment of 8,000 North Korean troops.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Russia’s decision to deploy North Korean troops is indicative of its “desperate” situation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He noted that as the war continues to strain Russia’s military resources and personnel, it has begun seeking support from countries like North Korea to bolster its ranks. This development reflects a significant shift in Russia’s military strategy and raises concerns about the potential implications for regional stability. Blinken’s comments underline the increasing collaboration between Russia and North Korea, which may have broader consequences for international security and diplomatic relations in the region.
Washington: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed the deployment of as many as 8,000 North Korean troops to Russia’s western front-line Kursk region, where they are expected to enter During a press conference held on Thursday, Blinken warned that these troops would become “legitimate” military targets if they engage in combat operations against Ukrainian forces.
Context of the Announcement
Blinken’s remarks came after a “two-plus-two” meeting with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, and Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun at the State Department. The meeting highlighted the close security coordination between the U.S. and South Korea, particularly in light of recent tensions following North Korea’s test-firing of a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The timing of this escalation is notable, occurring just days ahead of the U.S. presidential election set for Tuesday.
Training and Combat Readiness
The secretary elaborated that Russia has been actively training these North Korean soldiers in various military operations, including artillery use, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deployment, and basic infantry operations such as trench clearing. This indicates a strategic plan by Moscow to utilize North Korean troops in front-line combat roles, which poses a new challenge for Ukrainian forces.
Broader Implications
Defense Secretary Austin echoed Blinken’s concerns, warning of the potential consequences of North Korean troops entering combat. He noted that the U.S. is maintaining close consultations with allies and partners in the region regarding these developments, although he refrained from providing specifics about potential responses.
The South Korean Defense Minister highlighted that North Korea has already sent a substantial amount of military support to Russia, including approximately 1,000 missiles and nearly 10 million artillery rounds. This level of military assistance underscores the growing cooperation between North Korea and Russia amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Desperation of Russian Forces
Blinken also commented on the underlying reasons for Russia’s reliance on North Korean troops, describing the situation as one of “desperation.” He stated, “Putin has been throwing more and more Now he’s turning to North Korean troops, and that is a clear sign of weakness.” This assessment reflects the significant casualties Russian forces have been suffering, reportedly around 1,200 per day in the eastern regions of Ukraine—higher than at any other point during the conflict.
In this context, Blinken remarked on the historical significance of the deployment, stating, “With the deployment of these North Korean troops to Russia and now to the front lines
China’s Role
When questioned about China’s position regarding North Korean activities, the South Korean Defense Minister suggested that while Beijing has adopted a “wait-and-see” approach, it could potentially intervene if the situation worsens to the detriment of its interests. This adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
In summary, the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia represents a significant escalation in the conflict and highlights the desperate measures being taken by Moscow as it struggles to maintain its military operations in Ukraine. The involvement of North Korean forces could further complicate the already tense situation and impact regional and international security.