On Tuesday, President Joe Biden reiterated his concerns regarding the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, warning that if these forces enter Ukrainian territory, they could become targets for Ukrainian military strikes.
In response to a reporter’s question on whether Ukraine should strike North Korean troops, Biden responded that any North Korean soldiers in Russia would face attacks if they crossed into Ukraine.
Biden also confirmed his concerns about the North Korean military units dispatched to Russia, stating, “I am concerned about it, yes.”
However, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder noted that there is currently no information to support claims of North Korean troops entering Ukrainian territory. Ryder explained that the Department of Defense estimates North Korea has sent 10,000 soldiers to eastern Russia and could join Russian forces near Ukraine in the future. Some are believed to be moving to Kursk in southwestern Russia, where Ukrainian troops have engaged in combat.
Ryder added that while North Korean soldiers seem to be primarily serving in infantry roles, the situation requires further monitoring.
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