The White House has announced that at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers arrived in eastern Russia in October, where they are currently undergoing training. Officials have expressed a “highly concerning probability” that these troops may join the fight against Ukraine.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby stated, “We have seen reports indicating that North Korean soldiers are traveling to Russia to engage in combat in Ukraine. We are working closely with our allies to fully understand this situation, but I can share what we know so far. We assess that between early and mid-October, North Korea moved at least 3,000 soldiers into eastern Russia.”
Kirby explained that these soldiers reportedly traveled by ship from Wonsan, North Korea, to Vladivostok, Russia, before proceeding to various Russian military training sites in the region. While it remains unclear if these soldiers will engage in combat alongside Russian forces, Kirby noted that it is a concerning possibility. After their training, they could be deployed to western Russia for combat against Ukrainian forces.
The US has briefed the Ukrainian government on the situation and continues to monitor developments closely. Kirby emphasized that North Korea’s involvement in the conflict would indicate Russia’s increasing desperation in the war.
He remarked, “If North Korean soldiers do enter combat, it will demonstrate Russia’s growing weakness in its ongoing struggle against Ukraine.” Kirby also highlighted that Russia is facing significant casualties daily but that President Vladimir Putin remains committed to continuing the conflict.
Kirby pointed out that Russia’s military cooperation with North Korea violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions, which prohibit arms procurement and military training from North Korea. He added, “If Russia is forced to seek manpower from North Korea, it signals weakness on the part of the Kremlin.”
In addition to addressing the North Korean situation, a senior White House official discussed ongoing US assistance to Ukraine. Kirby noted that the US is prepared to provide Ukraine with additional air defense interceptors, tactical defense systems, artillery, ammunition, armored personnel carriers, and infantry fighting vehicles.
Under President Biden’s direction, the US is ramping up security assistance to Ukraine, announcing over $800 million in support in just the past week. Looking ahead, Kirby stated that the US is set to deliver hundreds of additional air defense interceptors and thousands of armored vehicles to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Furthermore, the US plans to impose sanctions targeting those outside Russia who enable its war efforts. Kirby reaffirmed President Biden’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating that the US will contribute $20 billion of the $50 billion pledged by the G7 to support Ukraine’s defense.
These loans are intended to aid the people of Ukraine as they continue to defend their country. Kirby characterized this situation as a unique instance of a coalition freezing the assets of an aggressor nation to fund the defense of the victim while adhering to the rule of law and maintaining solidarity.
Since the conflict began in February 2022, the US has consistently provided assistance to Ukraine and imposed sanctions against Russia.