Mark Rutte‚ NATO Secretary-General reports that North Korean military units have moved into Russias Kursk region. The Pentagon sees about 10k troops in eastern Russia (up from 3k troops spotted last week) – some already heading towards Ukraine
US president Joe Biden calls this move “very dangerous“; however Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh notes that they cant confirm NK units exact location in Kursk yet. The US wont put new limits on Ukraines use of American weapons if North Korea joins the fight
Ukrainian intel spotted first NK units near their border (where Ukrainian forces made a big push last summer). Andrii Sybiha‚ Ukraineʼs Foreign Minister wants allies to act:
- Remove limits on long-range strikes
- Make stronger response to NK involvement
- Give more weapons support
While Vladimir Putin doesnt deny NK troops presence – saying its Moscows business how to work with Pyongyang – a NK ministry official stays vague but hints their actions follow international rules. This move shows Putins growing need for help‚ as Russia has lost about 600k soldiers in this three-year war
Andriy Yermak‚ Ukrainian presidents chief-of-staff thinks sanctions wont be enough: “The enemy understands strength; our allies have this strength“ he writes on social media
The deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a threat to both Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security