Washington— U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed Tuesday that the U.S. has seen evidence of North Korean troops in Russia. This marks the first official U.S. confirmation of growing ties between North Korea and Russia amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. South Korean intelligence previously raised concerns last week, stating that North Korean commandos had been deployed to Russia to support Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Austin, speaking to reporters during a visit to Rome, stated that the full extent of the North Korean troops’ role in Russia remains unclear. However, he warned that if they actively participate in the conflict, it could signal deeper issues within Russia’s military strategy. Despite recent territorial gains in Ukraine, Russia’s efforts have come at a heavy cost, with significant troop losses reported.
South Korean officials estimate around 3,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia, with the potential for this number to rise to 10,000 by the end of the year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not confirmed their presence on the battlefield but called for any North Korean forces fighting for Russia to surrender.
The extent of the North Korean troops’ impact on the war will depend on their training and equipment, according to U.S. defense sources. North Korea has been supplying Russia with artillery for months, but their direct involvement in the conflict could carry wider implications. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a strategic partnership agreement, strengthening their economic and military ties. U.S. officials are particularly concerned that Russia could share nuclear or ballistic missile technology with North Korea in exchange for military support.
South Korea has responded to these developments by threatening to supply Ukraine with weapons, a move it has previously avoided.
Russia has dismissed reports of North Korean troop involvement as “fabrication,” and North Korea has yet to comment on the allegations.
