A representative of the US Department of Defense, Pat Ryder, expressed skepticism about the potential participation of North Korean soldiers in Russia’s war against Ukraine. In that case, he said, they would likely become “cannon fodder.”
This was reported by a South Korean agency Yonhap.
Ryder’s statement came in response to media speculation that Russia may turn to North Korea for military assistance in the war against Ukraine.
“If I were the leadership of North Korea’s military personnel, I would question their choice to send their forces as cannon fodder in an illegal war against Ukraine“, Ryder emphasized at the press briefing.
The representative of the Pentagon assured that the US will continue to closely monitor the development of events, taking into account the strengthening of cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Ryder also commented on rumors that South Korea may consider a nuclear option in response to military cooperation between the Russian Federation and North Korea. He emphasized the unchanging US policy on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the importance of cooperation with allies in the region to ensure security and stability.
The US, Japan and South Korea have expressed concern about increased military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. This issue became the subject of discussion at the international level.
North Korea has already provided Russia with a significant number of artillery shells. Western experts believe that Russia may again turn to North Korea with a request for military assistance. The US and its allies are calling for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the end of military cooperation between the DPRK and the Russian Federation.
