3,000 North Korean Troops Deployed to Russia This Month: White House Official

A White House official confirmed that North Korea has sent at least 3,000 troops to eastern Russia earlier this month, raising concerns about their potential involvement in combat to support Russia’s war in Ukraine after completing their training.

John Kirby, National Security Communications Advisor, stated that these troops were transported by ship from the Wonsan area in North Korea to Vladivostok, Russia, during the first half of October. While the exact mission of these soldiers remains unclear, Kirby highlighted the worrying possibility that they could engage in combat alongside Russian forces.

“We assess that these soldiers have traveled to multiple Russian military training sites in eastern Russia, where they are currently undergoing training,” Kirby said in a press briefing. He emphasized the risks involved, noting that if North Korean troops engage in combat against Ukrainian forces, they could be considered “fair targets,” potentially resulting in casualties.

Kirby elaborated that the soldiers are receiving basic combat and familiarization training at three designated Russian sites. The U.S. analysis aligns with assessments from South Korea’s intelligence agency, which also estimates that a total of 10,000 North Korean troops may be deployed to Russia by December.

In the coming days, Washington plans to announce a “significant” package of sanctions aimed at those facilitating Russia’s war efforts outside its borders. Kirby pointed out that Russia’s collaboration with the North Korean military violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions, which prohibit arms procurement and military training from North Korea.

He noted that if Russia is relying on North Korea for military manpower, it signifies an unprecedented level of military cooperation between the two countries, with security implications for Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Kirby warned that North Korean soldiers could face real danger if deployed in combat. “If they do engage against Ukraine, they will be treated as fair targets, and the Ukrainian military will defend itself accordingly,” he said.

The confirmation of troop deployment follows earlier comments from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who indicated that the U.S. had seen evidence of North Korean soldiers being sent to Russia, although their exact activities remain unclear.

Austin added, “We’re trying to gain a better understanding of why these troops are there and what North Korea might receive from Russia in return.”

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, dismissed South Korea’s intelligence regarding the troop deployment as “fake news.” She warned of potential security consequences for South Korea if it intervenes in the Ukrainian crisis, emphasizing that Russia would respond to any perceived threats.

“They should consider the security implications if they get involved in the Ukrainian crisis,” she stated during a press briefing.