U.S. officials are expressing concern over reports of North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine on behalf of Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused North Korea of transferring soldiers to Russia’s military, with intelligence agencies providing information on the involvement of North Korea in the war. South Korean defense minister Kim Yong-hyun also stated that it was “highly likely” that six North Korean officers were killed in a recent Ukrainian missile strike on Donetsk. Despite these allegations, Russia has dismissed them as “fake news.”
Officials in the U.S. are closely monitoring the situation, with Lt. Col. Charlie Dietz from the Department of Defense expressing concern over the reports. He stated that if true, the involvement of North Korean soldiers in support of Russia would signify a significant increase in the defense relationship between the two countries. This development would also indicate a new level of desperation by Russia as it continues to face significant casualties in the conflict with Ukraine. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller also voiced his concerns, highlighting the potential implications of North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia.
Washington has accused North Korea of supplying Russia with ammunition and ballistic missiles, although Moscow and Pyongyang have denied these claims. Despite this, both countries have acknowledged plans to enhance military ties, with the possibility of joint drills in the future. The deepening relationship between Russia and North Korea intensified after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, culminating in the signing of a defense pact in June during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea.
Both Russia and Ukraine have turned to foreign fighters as their number of draft-age men have decreased. North Korea has increased its production and testing of artillery and cruise missiles, raising further concerns about its military capabilities. In March, Russia utilized its veto power on the United Nations Security Council to halt monitoring for violations of a ban on North Korea’s ballistic technology testing. The situation continues to evolve, with U.S. officials closely monitoring developments and expressing concerns over the potential implications of North Korean soldiers supporting Russia in the conflict in Ukraine.
