Russia trains North Korean soldiers for war against Ukraine: Pentagon statement.

Russia prepares North Korean military personnel

The U.S. Department of Defense has reported that Russia is already conducting training for North Korean military personnel in the Kursk region. DPRK soldiers are undergoing training in artillery operations, UAV management, and basic infantry training.

At the same Time, the Kremlin has provided North Korean soldiers with Russian uniforms and equipment.

‼️ According to @SecDef, Russia has trained North Korean troops now in the Kursk region in artillery operations, UAV operations, and basic infantry operations. The Kremlin has also provided the DPRK troops with Russian uniforms and equipment. Ostap Yarysh (@OstapYarysh) October 31, 2024

Presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia

Deputy Permanent Representative of the U.S. to the UN Robert Wood revealed during a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday that U.S. officials recently learned about the presence of 8,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region.

‼️ "We need to see the level of involvement of the DPRK forces in Russia and what kind of quid pro quo the DPRK will receive from Russia before making a decision regarding the weapons support we will be providing to Ukraine," - South Korean Foreign Affairs Minister Cho Tae-yul. pic.twitter.com/wB87iEn6mp

— Ostap Yarysh (@OstapYarysh) October 31, 2024

Reaction of the West and the intentions of Russia and North Korea

South Korean Foreign Affairs Minister Cho Tae-yul stated: "We need to see the level of involvement of DPRK armed forces in Russia and what DPRK will receive from Russia in return, before deciding on weapons provision to Ukraine".

In an interview with South Korean television, President Zelensky emphasized that the reaction of the West would determine whether DPRK would send 10 or 100 thousand soldiers. He also mentioned that Putin is testing the reaction of the West and NATO countries, after which he will decide on increasing the contingent. According to him, the same model was applied to Crimea 10 years ago.

The President of Ukraine emphasized that Kim Jong Un, like Putin, does not regard human lives, and this is the same model of war with no restrictions on human losses. Zelensky also reported that Russia finally officially confirmed on an intelligence level the presence of North Korean soldiers who will fight against Ukraine. In the near future, Ukraine plans to make a significant request for arms to South Korea.