Pentagon: Evidence Shows 3K North Korea Troops in Russia
Facts
- US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday that the Pentagon has evidence that North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia, with National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby later detailing that at least 3K soldiers are undergoing training there.[1][2]
- Additionally, NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah issued a statement that day via email, confirming that the military alliance is aware of the matter and is discussing it.[3][4]
- This comes as South Korea's spy agency briefed lawmakers on Wednesday that Pyongyang has sent some 3K troops to Russia so far, with more 1.5K to be dispatched soon — and a total of up to 10K expected by December.[5][6]
- Though the head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate claimed on Tuesday that an initial batch of these troops was expected on the battlefield in Kursk this week, it's unclear what role they will play or whether they will head to Ukraine.[4][7]
- Earlier this week, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that reports of North Korean soldiers in Russia were 'fake news' despite unverified videos published by Kremlin-aligned military bloggers on Telegram last Friday.[3][8]
- Pyongyang has also dismissed such reports as 'groundless ... rumors' designed to smear 'the image of North Korea and undermin[e]' its relations with Moscow. Both countries signed a treaty in June that would see them provide mutual defense assistance to one another.[8][9]
Sources: [1]U.S. Department of Defense, [2]FOX News, [3]POLITICO, [4]The War Zone, [5]Al Jazeera, [6]Korea Herald, [7]CNN, [8]Reuters and [9]RT.
Narratives
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Associated Press. If North Korean troops are deployed to the frontlines, military tension between the West and nuclear-armed North Korea would further increase. However, it's more likely that Pyongyang sent construction workers, technicians, engineers, and military intelligence officers than professional fighters.
- Pro-Ukraine narrative, as provided by The Kyiv Independent. In sending troops to fight in Ukraine, North Korea has made itself directly involved in the conflict, thereby paving the way toward another world war. This is an outrageous escalation that must be condemned and addressed by Western partners.
- Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by TASS. Though allegations over the potential military training of North Koreans in Russia are unsubstantiated, Moscow has a long history of friendship and cooperation with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The recent ratification of the strategic partnership treaty between the two countries only formalizes the nations' existing relationships — including that Russia will defend the DPRK in the case of an attack on its territory and vice versa.