South Korea’s defense ministry estimates that about 12,000 North Korean troops will be sent to Russia to support their military efforts. The United States has confirmed this development and has stated that any troops deployed against Ukraine will be considered “fair game.” Pyongyang is expected to send special forces, military engineers, and artillery troops to Russia, with 3,000 troops already on the ground and more expected to arrive.
The U.S. National Security Council has also stated that at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers have already arrived in eastern Russia by sea and are receiving training at Russian military bases. They have warned that these soldiers will be considered legitimate targets, and that the Ukrainian military will defend themselves against North Korean soldiers just like they would against Russian soldiers.
The situation is seen as a significant provocation by South Korea, with Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun vowing that they will not stand by and do nothing in the face of this development. The exact role and purpose of the North Korean troops in Russia have not been clarified, but it is clear that tensions are high and that Ukraine is prepared to defend itself against any foreign troops that may be deployed in support of Russia.
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