Rutte warns of danger of expanding Russia's war in Ukraine due to North Korean troops
Photo: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (Getty Images)
Thousands of North Korean soldiers have recently arrived in Russia's Kursk region to take part in hostilities against Ukraine. This information was presented at a meeting with South Korean intelligence and defense officials, as well as 32 NATO Allies and Indo-Pacific partners, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
For the first time in a century, foreign troops have appeared in Russia, which is a significant and disturbing development for Europe.
“These deepening military and economic ties between a reckless Russia and an emboldened North Korea don’t just threaten Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security, they are deeply dangerous for global security,” Rutte emphasized.
According to Rutte, Russia, which has not achieved its strategic goals, is increasingly dependent on authoritarian regimes such as China, Iran, and North Korea.
Russia relies on China to support its economy, Iran to supply drones and missiles, and North Korea to resupply ammunition and send troops.
North Korean soldiers, who have not had combat experience since the 1950s, will have a unique opportunity to learn the skills of modern military operations, which poses a threat to future stability on the Korean Peninsula. In return, Russia is likely to transfer military technology to Pyongyang, which will only increase tensions in the region.
The escalation of the conflict requires more active involvement from China to use its influence on Moscow and Pyongyang and prevent the growth of aggression. Rutte called on European and Indo-Pacific countries to strengthen defense and intelligence ties to curb the influence of authoritarian alliances.
NATO continues to support Ukraine and has provided 99% of all military assistance to Kyiv since the beginning of the war, and will provide 40 billion euros this year.
Rutte noted that the cost of supporting Ukraine is less than 1% of the allies' GDP, which, according to him, is a small price to pay for global security.
North Korean soldiers in Russia
Recently, North Korea signed an agreement with Russia to send its military to participate in hostilities against Ukraine.
According to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, 12,000 North Korean soldiers have already arrived in Russia. They are being prepared for possible battles in the Kursk region.
ISW analysts suggest that the experience gained on the Ukrainian front could be used by the North Korean military in future conflicts if the country participates in them.
Earlier, The Independent reported that North Korea would receive money in return for sending troops to the war against Ukraine.
