NATO Confirms North Korean Troops Deployed to Russia’s Kursk Region

NATO has confirmed that North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia, specifically to the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have established a presence. This development was announced by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who described the deployment as a “significant escalation” and a “dangerous expansion” of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The deployment of North Korean troops marks a new level of involvement by Pyongyang in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. According to NATO, this move represents a breach of UN Security Council resolutions and undermines both Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security. North Korea has already provided Russia with millions of rounds of ammunition and ballistic missiles, which have been used in the conflict.

The U.S. Pentagon has stated that there will be no new restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S. arms if they encounter North Korean forces. Estimates suggest that around 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to eastern Russia, although their combat effectiveness is questioned due to their lack of recent combat experience.

NATO and other Western allies have expressed concern over this development, with Rutte calling on Russia and North Korea to cease these actions immediately. The deployment is seen as a sign of Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s growing desperation, given the significant casualties Russia has suffered in the war, with over 600,000 soldiers killed or wounded.

The White House and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have also highlighted the strengthened relationship between Russia and North Korea, which includes technology sharing and the provision of military equipment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned of the new threat posed by the alliance between Russia and North Korea.