NAPLES (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary LLoyd Austin said on Saturday he could not confirm reports that North Korea had sent troops to Russia ahead of a planned deployment to Ukraine, but added that such a move would be concerning if true.
Korea’s spy agency said Friday that North Korea has sent 1,500 special forces troops to Russia’s Far East for training and acclimatization at local military bases, and they will likely be sent to fight in the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday accused North Korea of deploying officers alongside Russia and preparing to send 10,000 troops to aid Moscow in its war effort. However, NATO chief Mark Rutte said this week that there was no evidence of Pyongyang’s presence at this stage.
Both Russia and North Korea deny claims that North Korea may send military personnel to help Russia fight Ukraine.
