The Russia-Ukraine Conflict: A New Phase with North Korean Troops on the Frontline
Moscow/Pyongyang: North Korea’s Foreign Minister Arrives in Russia for Talks
North Korea’s foreign minister, Choe Son-hui, arrived in Russia’s far east on Tuesday, ahead of a meeting with Russian officials, as the Russia-Ukraine war took a dangerous new turn. NATO and South Korea expressed alarm over the possibility of North Korean troops joining Moscow’s side in the conflict.
US President’s Warning
US President Joe Biden warned that Ukraine should strike back if North Korean troops "cross into Ukraine." The Pentagon confirmed that some North Korean soldiers are in the Kursk region, a Russian border area where Ukrainian forces staged a major incursion in August and hold hundreds of square kilometers of territory.
Pentagon Confirms North Korean Troops in Kursk Region
The Pentagon said initial indications are that Russia might field the North Korean troops in infantry roles. "We remain concerned that Russia intends to use these soldiers in combat or to support combat operations against Ukrainian forces in Kursk," said a Pentagon spokesman.
International Reactions
South Korea, which remains technically at war with the nuclear-armed North decades after the 1950-1953 Korean War, condemned the deployments. Officials in Seoul are worried about what Russia may be providing to Pyongyang in return. The US has said any North Korean troops fighting in the war would be "fair game" for Ukrainian attacks and that Washington would not impose any fresh limits on Ukraine’s use of US weapons if North Korea entered the fight.
Russian Denial
Putin has not denied the presence of North Korean troops in Russia. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said the North Korean moves were sending the war into a new phase. "This war is becoming internationalized, extending beyond two countries," he said.
Troops Training
The Ukraine conflict broke out when Russia invaded its neighbour in February 2022 and has since developed into a war of attrition largely fought along frontlines in eastern Ukraine, with huge numbers of casualties on both sides. The military in Russia is trying to teach military terminology to the North Korean soldiers. Moscow is also continuing to provide technical support for North Korea’s attempts to field a fleet of spy satellites.
Conclusion
The presence of North Korean troops in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a significant development, signaling a new phase in the conflict. The roles of the North Korean troops are unclear, but they are likely to play a political role for both Russia and North Korea, strengthening their hands in relations with China and sending a message to Washington and its allies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the North Korean troops in the Russia-Ukraine conflict?
A: The presence of North Korean troops in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a significant development, signaling a new phase in the conflict.
Q: What are the roles of the North Korean troops?
A: The roles of the North Korean troops are unclear, but they are likely to play a political role for both Russia and North Korea, strengthening their hands in relations with China and sending a message to Washington and its allies.
Q: What is the reaction of the international community to the presence of North Korean troops?
A: The international community, including NATO and South Korea, has expressed alarm over the possibility of North Korean troops joining Moscow’s side in the conflict.