'There is evidence,' US claims North Korean troops deployed in Russia to fight against Ukraine

Washington, United States

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday (Oct 23) confirmed that the United States has evidence that the North Korean troops are in Russia and help Moscow's forces amid its ongoing war with Ukraine. 

"There is evidence that there are DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) troops in Russia," Austin told reporters in Rome. 

"What exactly they're doing" remains to be seen, said Austin, adding, "These are things that we need to sort out."

North Korea sends 3000 troops to Russia

Earlier in the day, the South Korean lawmakers said that North Korea had sent 3000 troops to Russia to support them in its war with Ukraine. 

The lawmakers made the statement after being briefed by South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), an estimate that is twice the previous figure.

Pyongyang meanwhile, has promised to provide a total of about 10,000 troops, and the deployment of these troops will be completed by December, claimed Seoul. 

"Signs of troops being trained inside North Korea were detected in September and October," Park Sun-won, a member of a parliamentary intelligence committee, said. 

Also read: South Korea to send ‘offensive’ weapons to Ukraine after North ‘dispatches’ troops to Russia

"It appears that the troops have now been dispersed to multiple training facilities in Russia and are adapting to the local environment."

Ukraine calls on North Korean troops to surrender 

Ukraine called on any North Korean troops deployed by Russia to surrender. 

"We address fighters of the Korean People's Army who were sent to help Putin's regime. You must not die senselessly in a foreign land. You must not repeat the fate of hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers who will never return home!" a statement issued by an initiative run by Kyiv's military intelligence stated. 

Zelensky accused North Korea of sending troops to Russia

In the past few days, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused North Korea of preparing to send 10,000 troops to Russia. 

Watch | North Korea Has Sent 1,500 Troops To Russia For Ukraine War: Reports

The Kremlin has dismissed South Korea's claims as "fake news". 

Both Moscow and Pyongyang have previously denied arms transfer but have vowed to boost military ties as the leaders of both countries signed a mutual defence treaty at a summit in June. 

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)