The Spokesperson of the US Department of Defense, Major General Pat Ryder, stated that a small number of North Korean soldiers are currently present in the Kursk region on the western front of Russia. Ryder indicated signs that these soldiers will be utilized in a kind of infantry role.

While reports of North Korea sending soldiers to Russia to fight against Ukraine remain fresh, a new statement on the matter has emerged from the US government.

During a routine press briefing, the Spokesperson of the US Department of Defense, Major General Pat Ryder, mentioned that a small number of soldiers sent by North Korea are presently in the Kursk region on the western front of Russia. Ryder stated, “Findings show that there are a few North Korean soldiers in the Kursk Oblast, and there are indications that a few thousand more are either already there or will be heading there soon,” adding, “Currently, the remaining soldiers are receiving training in the east, but at some point, we expect them to move in that direction (Kursk Oblast).” “IT’S UNCERTAIN HOW THE SOLDIERS WILL BE UTILIZED” Ryder avoided making definite remarks on the combat capability North Korean troops would bring to Russia, indicating that there are signs they will be used as “some sort of infantry.” Expressing concern that these soldiers might be intended for “use in a fight against Ukrainians, or at least in supporting combat operations against Ukrainians in the Kursk region,” Ryder commented, “At present, it is not yet clear how the Russians and North Koreans will exactly deploy these forces.” “UKRAINE CAN USE US WEAPONS AGAINST NORTH KOREA” Responding to a question about whether Ukrainian forces could utilize weapons provided by the US against North Korean troops, Ryder emphasized that weapons provided by the US and other international partners are “the weapons and capabilities of Ukraine.” Stating, “We are very clear that Ukraine can use these capabilities to defend its sovereign territory against threats from across the border or within Ukrainian territory,” Ryder expressed that the US closely monitors whether North Korean troops are planning to invade Ukraine. Ryder also mentioned that receiving military support from a foreign country raises “some serious questions” about Russia’s ability to meet its personnel needs. SIGNAL OF ADDITIONAL SANCTIONS FROM THE US Matthew Miller, the Spokesperson of the US Department of State, affirmed that Russia training North Korean soldiers would amount to a violation of numerous UN Security Council resolutions. He said, “We believe that Russia providing training to North Korean soldiers involving weapons or related materials constitutes a direct violation of UN Security Council resolutions 1718, 1874, and 2270.” Reminding that the US has the capability to impose sanctions on Russia and North Korea, Miller warned, “We have shown willingness to use these capabilities and authorities in the past. We will continue to do so at the appropriate time.”