US ups earlier estimates, claims 10,000 North Korean troops backing Russia in Ukraine war

The United States on Monday (Oct 28) said that North Korea has sent approximately 10,000 troops to Russia to train. Pentagon's latest assessment triples its previous estimate of 3,000 North Korean personnel in Russia.

North Korean troops to augment Russia in Ukraine War: US

According to Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, the troops are likely being stationed in eastern Russia, potentially reinforcing Russian forces. 

"We believe that the DPRK has sent around 10,000 soldiers in total to train in eastern Russia that will probably augment Russian forces near Ukraine over the next several weeks," Singh told reporters, using the abbreviation for North Korea's official name.

Also read | North Korea says deployment of troops in Russia won’t breach international law

President Joe Biden slammed the move as "very dangerous," a sentiment echoed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who called it a "dangerous expansion of Russia's war".

Rutte said that it was evidence of Russian President Vladimir Putin's "growing desperation." He said that Russia's mounting losses, with over 600,000 casualties reported since 2022, have increased the Kremlin's reliance on foreign allies for support.

Speaking in Brussels, following a briefing with South Korean officials, Rutte also confirmed that North Korea troops have been deployed in Russia's western Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched offensives this year.

"The deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a threat to both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security," he said.

Meanwhile, EU President Ursula von der Leyen said that North Korea's involvement represents "a significant escalation of the war against Ukraine and threatens global peace."

In a phone call with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, she said: "The EU's response to this development will centre on cooperation with the Republic of Korea and other like-minded partners."

Why is North Korea sending troops to Russia?

Experts suggest that North Korea is looking to acquire advanced Russian military technology—ranging from surveillance satellites to submarines—and security assurances from Moscow in exchange.

Also read | North Koreans deployed alongside Russian troops to fight against Ukraine; Kremlin rejects claims as ‘fake’

This comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday warned that North Korea could soon expand its personnel in Russia to around 12,000 soldiers.

Taking to X, Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak said: "This is an escalation. Sanctions alone are not enough. We need weapons and a clear plan to prevent North Korea's expanded involvement in the war in Europe."

"Today, Russia brings in North Korea; next, it could broaden their engagement, and then other autocratic regimes may see that they can get away with this and come to fight against NATO," he warned, adding "The enemy understands strength. Our allies have this strength."

(With inputs from agencies)