The US has stated that North Korean troops would be considered a ‘legitimate target’ in any conflict, escalating tensions in the region. This declaration comes amidst ongoing diplomatic challenges with North Korea.
If North Korean soldiers join the Ukraine conflict in support of Russia, they will be considered “legitimate military targets” by Kiev’s forces, according to a statement from White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.
On Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that an unspecified number of North Korean military personnel are presently in Russia, and the Pentagon is uncertain about their activities. He further mentioned that it would be a “very serious issue” if North Korea aims to “participate in this war on behalf of Russia.”
In a briefing later on Wednesday afternoon, Kirby informed reporters that “at least 3,000” North Korean soldiers entered eastern Russia earlier this month and have since been sent to “several Russian training locations.”
Kirby mentioned that the US is unaware of the specific training these soldiers allegedly received. However, he speculated that they “might travel to western Russia and then participate in combat against Ukrainian forces.”
He mentioned, “Should these North Korean soldiers choose to participate in the conflict against Ukraine, they would be considered legitimate military targets.”
Pyongyang has rejected allegations of dispatching troops to Russia, labeling them as “groundless and stereotypical rumors.” Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that collaboration between Russia and North Korea is “our sovereign right,” yet acknowledged encountering “a lot of contradictory information” regarding the issue.
Speculation about North Korea’s involvement in the conflict emerged earlier this month after Ukrainian media reported that North Korean soldiers had died in the Donetsk Region. However, these reports were not supported by any evidence.
Two weeks later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that North Korean “officers and technical staff” had been observed near the front line. He also stated that Pyongyang was planning to dispatch 10,000 soldiers to participate in the conflict.
According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), North Korea dispatched 1,500 troops to Russia for training last week. The agency further stated that these soldiers “are expected to be deployed to the front lines once their adaptation training is completed.”
In June, Russia and North Korea formalized a significant Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang. The treaty entails a commitment from both nations to support one another if either faces “a state of war due to an armed invasion.”
