North Korean Troops Reportedly in Russia, Says US Defense Secretary

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has confirmed that North Korean troops are reportedly present in Russia, bolstering the country's military resources. Speaking at a defense briefing, Austin expressed concern about the implications of this new collaboration, suggesting it marks a deepening of ties between Pyongyang and Moscow amidst Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

The U.S. claims come amid heightened scrutiny over the growing military and political alliance between Russia and North Korea, following a high-profile meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in September. Western officials have speculated that the talks resulted in a secret agreement on military cooperation, with North Korea providing artillery shells and other equipment to support Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, in exchange for advanced Russian technology and military know-how.

While the exact role and number of North Korean personnel in Russia remains unclear, Austin's announcement adds a significant layer of complexity to the conflict in Ukraine. The reported presence of North Korean soldiers or advisors could provide additional manpower to Russia's strained forces, which have suffered significant casualties and equipment losses since the start of the invasion in February 2022.

The U.S. defense secretary emphasized that any military assistance from Pyongyang would further exacerbate the war in Ukraine, fueling violence in the region and prolonging a conflict that has already resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread devastation. “We are monitoring this situation very closely,” Austin said, “and we strongly condemn any action that contributes to the destabilization of Ukraine or violates international sanctions.”

The reported North Korean presence in Russia has sparked widespread international concern, particularly in the West and among North Korea’s regional neighbors. South Korea and Japan have both condemned the alleged military cooperation, warning that it could further destabilize the Korean Peninsula and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin called the reports “deeply troubling,” while Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the need for a coordinated international response. The United Nations, which has imposed multiple sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs, is likely to face pressure to take further action.

The U.S. and its allies have also signaled that they may impose additional sanctions on both North Korea and Russia if the military collaboration is confirmed. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller warned that Washington is “prepared to respond” if North Korea’s actions are found to violate international law or existing sanctions.

This potential alliance could shift the balance of power in several regions, especially as Russia’s global isolation intensifies under Western sanctions. North Korea, also heavily sanctioned and isolated, has sought to forge closer ties with Russia and China as it continues to face pressure from the U.S. and its allies over its nuclear ambitions. The closer military relationship could provide Pyongyang with leverage and technology that may accelerate its weapons programs, while Russia could use North Korean support as a lifeline for its military campaign in Ukraine.

Experts are now debating the long-term consequences of this partnership. “This is a highly significant development,” says Bruce Klingner, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation. “Not only does it bolster Russia’s military capabilities, but it also suggests that North Korea is more willing than ever to openly defy the international community and support what is widely seen as an illegal war.”

In the short term, the presence of North Korean troops in Russia may not drastically alter the battlefield situation in Ukraine, but it adds another layer of complexity to global security dynamics. Both Washington and Kyiv will likely adjust their strategies in response to this new dimension, as will Moscow and its allies.