North Korean Troops in Ukraine Would Be Legitimate Targets, US Warns

Washington: The United States government cautioned that North Korean soldiers could become legitimate military targets if deployed to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. This warning came amid concerns over potential North Korean troop involvement in the ongoing conflict. According to Kuwait News Agency, White House National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby addressed the situation in a press briefing, revealing that the US has assessed the movement of at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers into eastern Russia from early to mid-October. These troops reportedly traveled by ship from North Korea's Wonsan area to Vladivostok, Russia, before proceeding to various military training sites in eastern Russia. While it remains uncertain if these soldiers will engage in combat, the US considers it a significant possibility following their training. The US has informed the Ukrainian government of these developments and is coordinating with other allies and regional partners to respond to the potential deploym ent. Kirby emphasized that if Russia resorts to North Korean manpower, it would indicate weakness rather than strength for the Kremlin. He also highlighted the unprecedented level of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, with implications for both Europe and the Indo-Pacific regions. Furthermore, Kirby pointed out that Russia's military collaboration with North Korea contravenes multiple UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit arms procurement and military training from North Korea. Such actions are deemed violations by the US government.