US Warns of "Firm Response" to North Korean Troops in Ukraine Conflict
Escalation Concerns
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that the deployment of North Korean troops alongside Russian forces fighting on the Ukrainian border demands a "firm response". Blinken made the statement at the start of a day of Brussels talks with NATO and EU officials to urgently address ramping up support for Kyiv before Donald Trump reclaims the White House.
North Korean Troops Engage in Combat Operations
The US State Department confirmed on Tuesday that Pyongyang’s troops have begun "engaging in combat operations" alongside Russian forces near the border with Ukraine. A spokesman said that of the more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers sent to eastern Russia, "most of them have moved to the far western Kursk Oblast, where they have begun engaging in combat operations with Russian forces".
NATO Chief Stresses China’s Role
NATO chief Mark Rutte meanwhile stressed the crucial role played by China in helping Russia’s "war effort", as well as Iranian weapons deliveries – paid for with Russian funds that were in turn helping Tehran to "destabilize the Middle East".
Blinken’s Emergency Trip
Blinken was taking part in a meeting of the North Atlantic Council, NATO’s decision-making body, before talks with European Union top diplomat Josep Borrell, his successor Kaja Kallas and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. His emergency trip comes as Trump’s election victory, coupled with a political crisis in Germany, heightens fears about the future of assistance for Ukraine at a key point in the fight against Russia’s invasion.
Trump’s View on Ukraine
Trump has in the past voiced admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and scoffed at the $175 billion the United States committed for Ukraine since the start of the war in 2022. The 78-year-old tycoon, who will be inaugurated on January 20, spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after winning re-election following a first stint as president between 2017 and 2021. He has boasted he can end the war in a day, likely by forcing concessions from Ukraine, although his newly named national security advisor, Mike Waltz, said Trump may also pressure Putin.
Future of Aid
The Biden administration has made clear it plans in its remaining weeks to push through the more than $9 billion of remaining funding appropriated by Congress for weapons and other security assistance to Ukraine. Mark Cancian, senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, expected the United States to focus in particular on sending vehicles, medical supplies and small-arms ammunition, which Ukraine needs and the United States can provide.
Europe’s Role
Trump in his first term aggressively pushed Europe to step up defence spending and questioned the fairness of the NATO transatlantic alliance – robustly defended by Biden. "Whatever approach the US leadership takes towards Ukraine, Europe will have to step up, and we will have to take the lead in supporting Ukraine’s defence efforts and macro financial stability," said Olena Prokopenko of the German Marshall Fund of the United States. "Unfortunately, Donald Trump’s win comes at arguably the worst possible time in terms of Europe’s political and economic shape and its ability to promptly coordinate."
Conclusion
The deployment of North Korean troops alongside Russian forces in Ukraine marks a significant escalation in the conflict, and the international community is watching with concern. The US has warned of a "firm response" to this development, and it remains to be seen how Europe will step up to support Ukraine in the coming months.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of North Korean troops being deployed alongside Russian forces in Ukraine?
A: The deployment marks a significant escalation in the conflict and raises concerns about the potential for a wider war.
Q: What is the US response to this development?
A: The US has warned of a "firm response" to the deployment, but has not specified what this response will entail.
Q: What is the future of aid for Ukraine?
A: The Biden administration plans to push through the remaining $9 billion in funding for weapons and security assistance to Ukraine, but it remains to be seen how much aid will be available in the future.
Q: How will Europe respond to this development?
A: Europe will need to step up its support for Ukraine’s defence efforts and macro financial stability, but it remains to be seen how this will be achieved in practice.