Additional Coverage:
- Video appears to show North Korean soldiers gearing up for Ukraine war at a Russian military training base (newsbreak.com)
Ukraine Claims North Korean Soldiers in Russia
A video released by Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security reportedly shows North Korean troops at a Russian military base. The center claims the troops are being equipped with Russian gear in preparation for deployment to Ukraine.
Intelligence Reports Suggest North Korean Involvement
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has stated that thousands of North Korean soldiers are expected to join Russian forces in Ukraine. The NIS reports that these troops are being transported on Russian navy ships and that some have already arrived in Russia.
Ukrainian President Confirms North Korean Presence
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has stated that Ukraine has information indicating North Korea is preparing to send 10,000 troops to occupied areas. However, NATO has yet to confirm the presence of North Korean soldiers in the conflict.
US Investigating Claims
The Pentagon is investigating the claims of North Korean involvement. Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder has stated that if confirmed, it would indicate increased cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Potential Significance
Should the presence of North Korean troops be verified, it would mark their first major involvement in a war since the Korean War in the 1950s.