House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) has stated that the U.S. should contemplate “direct military action” if North Korean troops engage in the war in Ukraine. This remark comes after reports revealed that thousands of North Korean soldiers are currently training in Russia.
The White House has confirmed the presence of at least 3,000 North Korean troops, raising significant concerns about their potential deployment to assist Russian forces in the conflict. Turner underscored that the entry of North Korean troops would cross a crucial threshold, necessitating a strong U.S. response.
Recent developments indicate that North Korea has transported soldiers into Russia through ships from the Wonsan region to Vladivostok. Once in Russia, these troops are sent to various military installations in the eastern part of the country for basic combat training.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby expressed that while it remains uncertain whether these troops will engage in combat, the possibility is alarming. Their deployment would indicate a worrying escalation in the conflict, reflecting Russia’s increasing urgency in its military campaign.
U.S. Considers Military Action as North Korean Troops Train in Russia for Possible Deployment in Ukraine
The U.S. has been actively briefing Ukraine on the situation regarding the North Korean troops. Kirby issued a warning that if these soldiers were deployed against Ukrainian forces, they would be considered legitimate military targets.
He assured that the Ukrainian military would respond to North Korean soldiers in the same manner as they do to Russian forces, highlighting the seriousness of the potential situation. This declaration emphasizes the potential ramifications of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict and the need for a robust defense of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised concerns that North Korea might send up to 10,000 troops to bolster Russian efforts in Ukraine. He indicated that Pyongyang had already sent tactical personnel and officers to the conflict.
This threat has led to increasing calls for the U.S. to lift restrictions on long-range weapons supplied to Ukraine. Turner criticized the Biden-Harris Administration’s cautious approach, arguing that if North Korean troops engage from Russian territory, Ukraine should have the right to respond effectively.
The potential participation of North Korean troops in Ukraine would signify a significant development in the relationship between North Korea and Russia. This growing partnership has been highlighted by agreements between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, pledging mutual support against shared adversaries.
Additionally, North Korea’s provision of military supplies to Russia in exchange for technology and support underlines the strengthening military collaboration between the two nations, complicating the current geopolitical situation.
