The Pentagon announced on Monday that the U.S. will not impose new restrictions on Ukraine’s use of American weapons, even if North Korea decides to join Russia’s war. This statement comes amid reports from NATO indicating that North Korean military units have been deployed to the Kursk region in Russia. Such developments are raising concerns in the West that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine could expand, especially as attention shifts toward the Middle East.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed that the increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea poses a threat to security in both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions. U.S. President Joe Biden described the situation as “very dangerous.” The Pentagon estimates that around 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to eastern Russia for training, a significant increase from an earlier estimate of 3,000. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh noted that some of these troops have already moved closer to Ukraine, raising concerns that they could be used in combat against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk Oblast near the border.
Initially, the Kremlin dismissed reports of a North Korean deployment as “fake news.” However, President Putin acknowledged on Thursday that North Korean troops are present in Russia, asserting that it is a matter for Moscow to manage its partnership with Pyongyang. Over the weekend, Putin warned that Russia would respond if the U.S. and its allies assist Ukraine in conducting deep strikes into Russian territory, interpreting such actions as direct involvement by NATO in the conflict.
While the U.S. has not indicated it will approve Ukraine’s request for deep strikes, a North Korean foreign ministry official did not confirm reports of troop deployment but suggested that any action taken would align with international norms. Ukrainian military intelligence reported that North Korean units have been observed in the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian troops have been active since a major incursion in August. However, the Pentagon has yet to confirm the presence of North Korean forces in Kursk, with Singh stating they are likely moving in that direction.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the troop deployment as an escalation by Russia, while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized allies for not responding strongly. He urged, “The bottom line: listen to Ukraine. The solution: lift restrictions on our long-range strikes against Russia now.”
Since their leaders met in Russia’s Far East last year, military ties between North Korea and Russia have strengthened, culminating in a comprehensive strategic partnership that includes a mutual defense pact signed in June. High-ranking officials from both countries have engaged in several bilateral visits, further solidifying their alliance. North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui recently departed for her second trip to Russia in six weeks.
Rutte suggested that the deployment of North Korean troops reflects growing desperation on Putin’s part, noting the significant casualties Russia has sustained—over 600,000 soldiers killed or wounded in the conflict. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, emphasized that sanctions alone are insufficient to counter North Korean involvement and called for “weapons and a clear plan to prevent North Korea’s expanded involvement,” stating, “The enemy understands strength. Our allies have this strength.”
