OAN Staff James Meyers
8:16 AM – Wednesday, October 23, 2024
The Pentagon confirmed on Wednesday that North Korea has sent military troops to Russia.
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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the deployment of the troops in a statement, saying it would be “a very, very serious issue” if North Korean troops deploy to Ukraine. South Korean intelligence stated that close to 3,000 troops were sent to Russia and are currently being trained on drones and other equipment.
“What exactly are they doing? Left to be seen. These are things that we need to sort out,” Austin said.
The Pentagon announcement comes after intelligence officials in South Korea and Ukraine had previously stated that North Korean troops were being transferred to Russia.
Meanwhile, Russia and North Korea have denied the troop movement.
Additionally, South Korean National Intelligence Service Director Cho Tae-yong told lawmakers that North Korea is planning on deploying 10,000 troops to Russia by December, info that aligns with claims from Ukrainian intelligence.
Currently, 3,000 troops have made the trip to Russia, but none of them have reportedly been deployed to battle.
Furthermore, South Korea said on Tuesday that it could start sending weapons to Ukraine in reaction to the troop movement. Officials also claimed that their response would come in phases to cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Over the past two years Russia and North Korea have continued to strengthen their alliance. The U.S., South Korea and their partners have accused North Korea of supplying shells, missiles, and other military weapons to Russia to help in its war against Ukraine in exchange for economic and military assistance.
In June, Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin signed a pact agreeing to mutual military assistance if either country is attacked.
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