North Korean troops join Russian forces in Ukraine escalation
North Korean troops are reportedly supporting Moscow in the conflict against Ukraine. They have already arrived in the Kursk Oblast. According to NATO, this represents a "significant escalation" of the war. The President of Lithuania has spoken out, stating that the Alliance must respond. "Indecisiveness leads to escalation, not the other way around," he emphasised.
The President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, believes that in response to the presence of North Korean troops on Russian territory, NATO should permit Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory and increase military aid.
"North Korean units are aiding Russia in its war with Ukraine. NATO must respond by providing Ukraine with everything it needs to secure victory," he stated, as quoted by "Ukrainska Pravda".
He clearly outlined the steps NATO should take, primarily "supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles, allowing strikes deep into Russian territory, and increasing military aid".
What is NATO's stance?
"North Korean soldiers will be a party in the war, and we will not impose any additional restrictions on Ukraine's use of American weapons against them," said Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh on Monday.
According to Singh, the estimated number of North Korean soldiers initially sent to training camps in eastern Russia is currently about 10,000. Some have begun moving westwards, towards Ukraine.
The US administration assesses that this contingent will likely support the Russians in the Kursk Oblast. However, despite information provided by Ukrainian authorities that North Korean soldiers are already in the combat zone, neither Singh nor State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed these reports.
