The Pentagon reported on Monday that North Korean forces deployed to Russia have not yet been observed engaging in combat operations against Ukraine.
During a press briefing, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in Kursk, Russia. Singh stated that they are aware of the North Korean forces positioned there, ready for potential combat deployment, and emphasized that they continue to monitor the situation closely.
When questioned about Russian provisions for North Korea, Singh remarked that cooperation between the two countries had intensified. She noted that there is clear evidence of exchanges in information and capabilities, including the deployment of North Korean personnel. Singh declined to provide further details on the matter.
In a related development, Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral Samuel Paparo, speaking at a defense forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Saturday, suggested that Russia might supply North Korea with advanced fighter jets, including MiG-29s and Su-27s.
Paparo revealed that North Korea initially proposed sending troops to Russia, an offer that Moscow accepted. In exchange, Pyongyang anticipates receiving Russian ballistic missile technology, including warhead re-entry capabilities and submarine expertise.
The admiral also noted that while North Korea has offered 12,000 troops to Russia, it remains uncertain whether these forces are actively engaged in combat operations in Ukraine.
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