The Pentagon spokesman expressed concern that Russia plans to use North Korean recruits in the battle against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. He said that he could not confirm the presence of Kim Jong Un's troops in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyi held talks with his South Korean counterpart Jung Suk-Jol on Tuesday to activate the exchange of intelligence and experience.
Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder admitted on Tuesday that several thousand North Korean troops are moving toward Russia's Kursk region, with a small number already there.
– We are concerned that Russia is planning to send (North Korea – ed.) soldiers to fight or support military operations against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, he told reporters. He also added that he cannot confirm the reports that North Korean troops are already in Ukraine.
Ryder said the situation is under control and consultations are ongoing with the Ukrainian side and other allies.
>> “F**k Chinese.” Russian officers about Kim's soldiers. Recorded <
Kursk region is a border region of Russia, in August, Ukrainian forces occupied a part of this territory and carried out offensive operations.
Ukraine and South Korea “strengthen the establishment”. Also exploration
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation with South Korean President Jung Suk-Jol on Tuesday. They discussed the participation of North Korean forces in the Russian attack and agreed that their countries will actively exchange information and experience.
“We agreed (…) to activate contacts at all levels, including at the highest level, in order to develop an action strategy and a list of countermeasures in response to the escalation, as well as to involve common partners in cooperation. Under this agreement, Ukraine and the Republic of Korea will soon exchange delegations to coordinate activities,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
The president also announced that his interlocutor received new information about the transfer of 3,000 North Korean soldiers to Russian training near the war zone and the expected increase in their number to 12,000 people.
Moreover, Zelensky thanked South Korea for its continuous support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for the financial and humanitarian assistance already provided and announced. He also called on it to “join the G7 Vilnius Declaration on Bilateral Security Agreements to Protect Ukraine.”
Seoul supports Ukraine
According to the Yonhap news agency, on Monday, the President of the Republic of Korea announced that a South Korean delegation will visit Ukraine this week to discuss information about sending North Korean troops to Russia and to discuss ways of cooperation.
Jun Suk-jeol also said that the South Korean delegation plans to visit Ukraine to meet and talk with intelligence and defense agencies, to discuss information exchange and ways of cooperation.
Moreover, the President of the Republic of Korea said last week that Seoul may discuss the issue of arms delivery to Ukraine, which would be a departure from the policy of only sending humanitarian aid.
Main photo source: KCNA VIA KNS / AFP / EastNews
