Western inaction on DPRK troops in Russia risks World War III - Ukrainian diplomat

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

“Today, there is no serious reaction from the West to the transfer of troops from the DPRK to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. And it's not just about supporting Ukraine anymore. It is clear to everyone that Kim Jong Un will get something in return. First, those Koreans who survive the fighting will be very useful in preparing for a war on the Korean Peninsula. Second, Russia can transfer technologies to the DPRK. In particular, missile and nuclear technologies. I think then the Americans and Seoul will not be very happy about this,” Khara explained.

According to the diplomat, the West should react sharply to another escalation by Russia.

“By and large, the axis of evil has finally formed in the world. They are not allies, but react to events on an ad hoc basis. However, we have been witnessing escalation in the Middle East and Europe for a long time. Next, something similar could happen in the Indo-Pacific region. The whole world will be involved, and it will be World War III. The use of nuclear weapons cannot be ruled out in this war. That is why, today, the sluggish reaction of Western politicians to the transfer of troops from the DPRK to Russia only encourages Putin and other dictators to move further. And no one is trying to do more than just make statements,” he added.

Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea

On October 4, the Kyiv Post reported that 20 soldiers were killed in a missile strike on occupied Donetsk, including six North Korean military personnel advising the Russian army.

The South Korean Defense Minister warned on October 8 that North Korea may deploy troops to Ukraine in support of Russia.

At an October 17 press conference in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Russia's plan to train 10,000 North Korean soldiers for combat in Ukraine.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence, later reported that 11,000 North Korean infantrymen are training in eastern Russia, preparing for deployment to Ukraine. He added that the first unit of 2,600 soldiers is en route to Kursk, where Ukraine has established a stronghold.

Ukraine has since shared intelligence with NATO about North Korea’s military involvement and requested data from alliance members.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the participation of the North Korean military in the war against Ukraine on the side of Russia would mean a “significant escalation.” 

Later, it was reported that South Korea was considering providing Ukraine with military and intelligence assistance in response to North Korea's sending its military to fight on the side of Russia.

The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine reported that on October 23, the North Korean military was spotted in the Kursk region.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that according to intelligence, the first North Korean military would be used by Russia in combat zones on October 27-28.

On October 25, South Korea's intelligence agency announced that North Korea plans to send a second batch of its military personnel to Russia, totaling up to 10,000 people.

On October 28, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed the presence of North Korea's military in the Kursk region of Russia, noting that this is “a significant escalation in the DPRK's ongoing involvement in Russia's illegal war.” 

The Pentagon says that the DPRK has sent about 10,000 troops to Russia to fight against Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia is already using DPRK military personnel on the territory of Ukraine and that up to 12,000 troops could be deployed to Russian training grounds from the DPRK.

US Department of Defense spokesman Patrick Ryder said that a small number of North Korean troops are already in the Kursk region of Russia bordering Ukraine.

On October 31, it became known that North Korea had sent three of its generals to Russia, including the DPRK's deputy chief of general staff, who is also the head of the state's main intelligence bureau.