U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed on Wednesday that North Korean troops are now in Russia.
Speaking in Rome, Austin revealed that there is evidence of North Korean soldiers being present in Russia, although their specific role remains unclear. “What exactly they’re doing, left to be seen,” Austin told reporters.
South Korean lawmakers also reported that around 3,000 North Korean soldiers had been deployed to Russia, with more expected in the coming months, possibly totaling 10,000.
This number is twice the previous estimates, and troops are reportedly training in Russia to acclimate before any possible engagement in the Ukraine war.
North Korea’s support for Russia comes after a June agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to bolster military cooperation.
In exchange for artillery shells and ballistic missiles, North Korea is reportedly receiving aid and technology for its nuclear and space programs.
This development aligns with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent claims that North Korea is preparing to send thousands of troops to fight alongside Russian forces.
Zelensky warned that tactical personnel and officers from North Korea were already stationed in Ukraine, raising concerns among Ukraine’s allies.
While the Kremlin and Pyongyang have dismissed these claims as “fake news” and “groundless rumors,” the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia may indicate Russia’s growing struggle with manpower in its prolonged war with Ukraine.
Austin echoed this sentiment, stating, “This is an indication that [Putin] may be in more trouble than most people realize.”
The U.S. has not yet confirmed whether North Korean troops are fighting in Ukraine.