US concerned about information about DPRK troops in Ukraine
16 October 2024 06:30
The United States is concerned about reports that North Korean soldiers are fighting on the side of Russia in Ukraine. This was stated by White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports citing Reuters.
Sean Savett noted that if the information about the participation of DPRK troops in Ukraine is confirmed, it will mean a “significant strengthening” of defence relations between North Korea and Russia.
“Such a move would also indicate a new level of desperation for Russia, which continues to suffer significant battlefield casualties in its brutal war against Ukraine,” the White House official said.
Washington claims that North Korea has been supplying Russia with ballistic missiles and ammunition. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the arms transfers, but have promised to strengthen military ties, possibly including joint exercises.
To recap, the day before, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused the DPRK of transferring personnel to Russia, citing intelligence that North Korea was actually involved in the war in Ukraine.
According to media reports, Russians have begun forming a so-called “special Buryat battalion” on the basis of the 11th separate airborne assault brigade of the Russian army. It will be staffed by North Korean citizens.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his visit to Pyongyang in June, and said it contained a clause on mutual assistance, according to which each side agrees to help the other in repelling external aggression.
