Austin said during his visit to Seoul: “I assured South Korean Defense Minister Kim Jong-hyun today that the United States is fully committed to defending South Korea.”
He added: “Our enhanced pledge of restraint has not changed and is supported by the full range of American conventional missiles, nuclear defenses, and advanced non-nuclear weapons.”
Austin confirmed that Washington also intends to conduct a large group of military exercises with Seoul.
Austin also stressed that the level of “direct military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is unprecedented,” and added: “We are also discussing how we can work with allies and partners to respond to this dangerous and destabilizing escalation.”
According to him, there are “about 10,000 North Korean soldiers” in Russia, and some of them have allegedly been “transferred to places close to Ukraine.”
Austin added: “I fear that the Kremlin is planning to use these military personnel to support Russian military operations in Kursk, near the border with Ukraine.”
North Korea denied accusations against it from South Korea and Ukraine that it was sending soldiers to fight alongside Russia in the conflict with Ukraine, describing them as “baseless rumours.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow in the military field does not violate the rules of international law, and that allegations about the alleged sending of North Korean soldiers to Russia are just “rumors.”
Source: RT
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**Interview with Defense Expert Dr. Sarah Johnson**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us, Dr. Johnson. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin recently reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to South Korea’s defense during his visit to Seoul. Considering the enhanced military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, how do you perceive the implications of this commitment for regional security?
*Dr. Johnson:* The U.S. commitment to South Korea is crucial, especially in light of the increasing military alliance between North Korea and Russia. Austin’s assertion highlights America’s intention to back its allies with robust military capabilities. This can act as a deterrent but also escalates tensions in an already volatile region.
*Interviewer:* Austin mentioned the presence of approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia and the potential for them to support operations near Ukraine. What are the broader implications of this military cooperation for global security?
*Dr. Johnson:* The implications are significant. If North Korean soldiers are deployed to support Russia in Ukraine, it suggests a troubling alignment that could embolden both regimes. This cooperation could lead to a more aggressive stance from North Korea in the Asia-Pacific region, potentially destabilizing the security dynamics there.
*Interviewer:* In light of these developments, how should the U.S. and its allies strategically position themselves to counter such a partnership?
*Dr. Johnson:* The U.S. needs to enhance its diplomatic efforts alongside military readiness. Engaging with regional allies to establish a unified front is vital. Additionally, implementing comprehensive sanctions and working through international organizations may help isolate both North Korea and Russia further.
*Interviewer:* With North Korea denying any involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, how credible do you find these denials in light of Austin’s statements?
*Dr. Johnson:* Given the context, I would approach such denials with skepticism. North Korea’s historical behavior indicates that they often deny allegations that threaten their narrative. The cooperation mentioned by Austin could signal an unprecedented level of military collaboration that North Korea might not admit to publicly.
*Interviewer:* This raises an interesting question for our readers: How should the international community respond to the claims of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia? Should there be a focus on diplomatic resolution, or is it time to prepare for a more aggressive military stance? What are your thoughts?
