US confirms North Korean troops in Russia, says they would be 'legitimate' targets in Ukraine

The United States, for the first time, said on Wednesday (Oct 23) that it had seen evidence of North Korean troops in Russia. The US assessed that at least 3,000 North Korean troops were transported by ship to the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok in early-to-mid October.

The White House confirmed the soldiers were transported from North Korea's Wonsan region to the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok. They were then taken to multiple military training sites in the east of Russia, where they underwent training.

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The White House Spokesperson John Kirby said while addressing the media that the troops would become "legitimate military targets" if they engaged in combat in Ukraine.

"If these North Korean soldiers decide to join the fight against Ukraine, they will become legitimate military targets," Kirby said.

He further added, "It would also demonstrate an unprecedented level of direct military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, with security implications in Europe, as well as the Indo-Pacific. As we've said before, Russia's cooperation with the North Korean military violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions which prohibit the procurement of arms from North Korea and military arms training. This move is likewise a violation."

The Ukraine conflict broke out when Russia invaded its neighbour in February 2022 and has since developed into a war of attrition largely fought along the front lines in eastern Ukraine, with huge numbers of casualties on both sides.

'Fake & groundless rumours'?

The Kremlin has previously dismissed the claims about the North Koreantroops in Russiaas "fake news". ANorth Korean representative to the United Nations in New York called it "groundless rumours".

Both countries also denied weapons transfers, but they have pledged to boost military ties and signed a mutual defence treaty at a summit in June 2024.