North Korea’s Dangerous New Role in Russia’s War: What You Need to Know

On Tuesday, the U.S. State Department announced that North Korean troops dispatched to Russia’s Kursk region have officially participated in combat against Ukrainian forces for the first time. During a briefing, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel confirmed that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed in eastern Russia, with most of them engaging in combat alongside Russian troops in the Kursk region.

Patel explained that North Korean forces are assisting Russian troops in clearing trenches and acquiring basic infantry skills, such as drone operation and artillery use. He stressed that the success of these joint operations depends on the effective integration of North Korean personnel into Russian military operations, noting that overcoming language and interoperability challenges in command and communication systems will be critical.

The U.S. is consulting closely with its regional allies about the implications of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Europe to discuss the situation with NATO and EU officials. CNN previously reported that approximately 50,000 troops, including the North Korean contingent, have been mobilized to reclaim the Kursk region from Ukrainian control.

Since August, Ukrainian forces have been advancing into Russia’s Kursk territory, engaging in fierce battles in the area. The U.S. has warned that North Korean troops would become legitimate targets if they become involved in the war with Ukraine.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov discussed the participation of North Korean forces over the phone, with Austin reaffirming the U.S. commitment to bolstering security support for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government has stated that it will closely monitor the North Korean troops’ actual combat involvement and consider appropriate responses. Additionally, Patel reiterated the goal of completely denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula regarding North Korea’s nuclear issue and promised ongoing cooperation with South Korea, Japan, and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.