US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III confirmed North Korea has sent troops to Russia to support the war in Ukraine, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.
According to the Times, Austin described the North Korean presence as a “very serious” escalation with implications for both Europe and Asia. When asked about the troops’ specific activities, Austin said it remained “left to be seen” but provided no details about troop numbers.
American intelligence officials are preparing to release evidence, including satellite imagery showing troop vessels moving from North Korea to training locations in Vladivostok on Russia’s east coast and other northern territories, officials said. They noted that no North Korean troops have yet reached Ukraine.
Reports over the past fortnight, supported by Ukrainian and South Korean governments, have suggested up to 12,000 North Koreans were training to fight alongside Russian forces, the Times reported.
US officials estimate approximately 2,500 North Korean troops have been dispatched thus far. However, according to the Times, they did not specify potential additional numbers or assess how effectively these conscripts might perform in unfamiliar territory alongside Russian-speaking forces.
Moscow had previously denied reports about North Korean troop presence.
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