The transfer of North Korean soldiers to Russia to fight in Ukraine was first warned by the US. / Photo: AP
The Secretary General of the UN, António Guterres, was this Sunday “very concerned” about reports about North Korean soldiers transferred to Russia and then deployed on the front line in Ukraine.
“This could represent a very dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine,” Guterres said in a statement issued today, adding that “everything possible must be done to prevent the internationalization of the conflict.”
Yesterday, Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) assured that Russia has already transferred more than 7,000 North Korean soldiers to areas near the border with Ukraine in the last week of October.
North Korean troops were moved from training camps in eastern Russia – of which there are at least 5 – with the help of at least 28 military aircraft, GUR revealed on its Telegram channel.
The soldiers were equipped by Russia with mortars, AK-12 assault rifles, several machine guns, sniper rifles and anti-tank weapons. They also received some vision devices, thermal imaging cameras, scopes and binoculars, according to GUR.
“It is quite surprising that the world turns a blind eye to North Korea’s increasingly aggressive actions,” reacted Andri Yermak, head of the presidential office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine has detected all the sites where Russia is massing North Korean soldiers and could carry out pre-emptive strikes against them if it had permission from its Western allies, Zelensky said Friday night, before calling on Ukraine’s allies to act instead. of “waiting” for North Korean soldiers to begin attacking Ukraine.
The transfer of North Korean soldiers to Russia to fight in Ukraine was first warned by the US – which put the number mobilized at 10,000 – and then confirmed by South Korea with its own sources.
United Nations / EFE
#Guterres #concerned #reports #North #Korean #soldiers #front #Ukraine
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. We’ve recently seen reports about the deployment of North Korean troops to the front lines in Russia. What do you make of this development?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. This is indeed a concerning development. The reported transfer of North Korean soldiers to Russia signals a potentially significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine. It raises several questions about the nature of military alliances and the extent to which external actors like North Korea are willing to engage in this conflict.
**Interviewer:** The United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, expressed his concerns regarding this situation. What implications might this have for international relations and peace efforts?
**Dr. Carter:** Guterres’ concerns highlight the broader implications for global security. The involvement of North Korean troops could escalate tensions not only in Ukraine but also in the region, as it may provoke reactions from other countries involved. Moreover, it undermines diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict and could complicate future negotiations. This situation may lead to further isolation of North Korea as countries reassess their relations with both Russia and North Korea.
**Interviewer:** What could be the motivation behind North Korea’s decision to send troops to support Russia?
**Dr. Carter:** There are likely multiple motivations at play. For North Korea, supporting Russia could strengthen their relationship with Moscow, providing economic and military support in exchange for securing political backing. It also serves as a show of solidarity against perceived Western aggression. Furthermore, it could be a strategic move to gain battlefield experience for its own military while simultaneously bolstering its international stature.
**Interviewer:** As this situation evolves, what should the global community be prepared for?
**Dr. Carter:** The international community should brace for potential escalations. This development could lead to larger conflicts if it draws in more nations, particularly if Ukrainian forces respond strongly to this new threat. Additionally, we might see increased tensions in other regions, as countries reassess their own security policies in light of this new alliance. It’s crucial for diplomatic channels to remain open to mitigate the risks of further escalation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on this critical issue.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
