‘They will be legitimate military targets”: White House confirms sending DPRK military to Russia
The United States has information about the training of the North Korean military on the territory of Russia, but it is currently unknown whether they will take a direct part in the war against Ukraine. This was stated by the coordinator of strategic communications of the National Security Council of the White House, John Kirby, during a briefing on October 23.
Kirby said that North Korea sent at least 3,000 of its troops to eastern Russia between early and mid-October.
“According to our estimates, these military men left on ships from the port of Wonsan in North Korea to Vladivostok in Russia. From there, the North Korean military traveled to a series of military training centers in eastern Russia, where they are currently undergoing training“, he added.
It is currently unclear whether these military personnel will take part in hostilities together with Russian troops against Ukraine. However, if they join the conflict, North Korean soldiers will become “legitimate military targets” for the Ukrainian army.
“And the Ukrainian military will defend itself against the North Korean military in the same way that it defends itself against the Russian“, Kirby emphasized.
The representative of the White House also emphasized that the US is seriously concerned about this possibility. After the completion of training, the North Korean military can probably be sent to the west of Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine.
The United States has already shared its assessments with the Ukrainian side, and maintains close contacts with allies and partners in the region.
In addition, he emphasized that the participation of the North Korean military in the conflict will be another confirmation of Russia’s growing desperation in its war against Ukraine. According to John Kirby, this will be a sign of weakness, not strength, of the Kremlin.
