US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has confirmed that there is “evidence” that North Korea has sent troops to Russia and could support the war effort in Ukraine.
Austin spoked to reporters during a visit to Rome on Wednesday. He said: “If they’re co-belligerents, their intention is to participate in this war on Russia’s behalf. That is a very, very serious issue.”
He added that the deployment would have an impact not only in Europe but also in the Indo-Pacific.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service estimates the North has sent 3,000 soldiers and that, by the end of the year, the number could grow to 10,000.
The head of Ukrainian intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, told reporters on Tuesday that the first unit may arrive in western Russia as early as Wednesday. He said he would know better within a few days how many North Koreans are there and what equipment they have.
Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at press conference on Wednesday that cooperation with North Korea complies with international law. She questioned why some people have, in her words, “raised such a stir.”