North Korean soldiers bolster Russian efforts as west seeks China's aid
North Korean soldiers are reportedly present in Ukraine, assisting their Russian allies. According to CNN, US officials have been negotiating with China to intervene and persuade North Korea to cease their involvement.
US and UK intelligence have confirmed the presence of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine. Estimates suggest that the number may be around 10,000. However, these soldiers are expected to undergo training in eastern Russia before proceeding to the Kursk region. The language barrier has been identified as a hindrance to swift action.
South Korean officials estimate the number of North Korean soldiers in Russia to be around 13,000. As reported by CNN, this information has already been shared with NATO. Additionally, authorities in South Korea are considering providing military aid, potentially contradicting their policy of not arming countries engaged in conflict. A decision will be made based on North Korea's level of military involvement.
Meanwhile, CNN reports that the United States has urged China, which maintains good relations with Pyongyang, to intervene and encourage North Korea to withdraw from Ukraine.
We have communicated with the PRC about this matter to make clear that we are concerned about it, and that they ought to be concerned about this destabilizing action by two of its neighbors, Russia and North Korea," said Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, as quoted by the portal.
Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor, has reportedly advised the US government that other countries should also pressurise China regarding the deployment of Korean troops to Ukraine.
According to CNN sources, Western officials are not optimistic about Chinese intervention. "China has continued to be a 'critical enabler' of Russia’s war effort, according to the NATO official, and is still fueling Russia’s defense industry with substantial amounts of dual-use goods," a NATO official stated in the publication.
