North Korea's military deals with Russia raise global tensions
The South Korean defence minister warns of the potential price Russia might pay for providing military support to the Kim Jong Un regime in Ukraine. In his view, North Korea has a specific goal: to acquire intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and tactical nuclear weapons.
The South Korean defence minister cautions that Pyongyang may seek to obtain Russian ICBM technology and nuclear weapons in exchange for military support in Ukraine. During a press conference in Washington, Kim Yong-hyun and his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, called on North Korea to withdraw its troops from Russia, reports the Polish Press Agency.
During the meeting with the media, Kim Yong-hyun expressed concerns that North Korea may send 3,000 troops to Russia to support Moscow's actions in Ukraine. In exchange, Pyongyang would gain access to advanced Russian military technology.
The minister states there is a high chance that North Korea will ask for technology transfer from various sectors to send its troops. He indicated that this could involve tactical nuclear weapons, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and submarine-related technology.
Lloyd Austin noted that Ukrainian troops will be able to use US-supplied weapons in combat against North Korean forces. He also emphasised that "there’s a good likelihood that these groups will be introduced into combat". Both ministers urged North Korea to cease military support for Russia and highlighted the importance of the alliance between Seoul and Washington for the region's stability.
North Korean regime and the US elections
Kim Yong Hyun also addressed potential Pyongyang actions in the context of the upcoming US presidential elections. The South Korean minister warned that the North Koreans will likely want to draw attention to themselves before and after the elections.
He suggested that North Korea might conduct another ICBM missile launch attempt or a seventh nuclear test. South Korean lawmakers expressed similar concerns following a parliamentary committee meeting involving the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Despite increasing tensions, Kim Yong Hyun stated that he does not believe that the tightening of Pyongyang's relations with Moscow increases the risk of war on the Korean Peninsula. He expressed confidence in the strength and effectiveness of the South Korea-US alliance in ensuring the region's security.
