Blinken warns of firm response to North Korean involvement in Russia's war

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has assured NATO leaders that the Biden administration would continue to bolster its support for Ukraine until President-elect Donald Trump's returns to office. 

In a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Blinken emphasized that the US would work to strengthen the alliance during this time, despite uncertainty surrounding the future of US military support for Ukraine under Trump, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Blinken also responded to growing concerns over the involvement of North Korean troops in supporting Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.

"The deployment of North Korean troops to help Russia in the Ukraine war demands and will get a firm response," he said commenting on North Korea's sending military personnel to Russia to fight against Ukraine.

The meeting in Brussels occurred as Russian forces made advances on the eastern frontlines of Ukraine, intensifying the ongoing war.

Blinken reaffirmed the Biden administration’s commitment to Ukraine, saying, "We will continue to shore up everything we're doing for Ukraine to ensure it can fight effectively next year or negotiate peace with Russia from a position of strength."

Blinken also highlighted that the Biden administration would work tirelessly in its final months to deliver the full aid package approved by the US Congress for Ukraine, ensuring that support continues uninterrupted.

He added, "Biden will use every day to continue to do what we have done these last four years, which is strengthen this alliance."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who also met with Blinken in Brussels, stressed the urgency of the situation.

"The war is at a critical moment, and we need strength, not appeasement, toward Russia," Sybiha stated. "Ukraine’s defence cannot be put on hold and wait... We need to speed up all critical decisions."

Regarding Russia’s relationship with North Korea, Blinken noted concerns about the growing military ties, particularly regarding nuclear capabilities.

"Moscow's relationship with Pyongyang is a two-way street," Blinken said, adding there was "deep concern about what Russia is or may be doing to strengthen North Korea's capacity," including nuclear technology.

In addition to his meetings with Rutte, Blinken also engaged with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Christopher Cavoli, top EU officials, and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Brussels to discuss ongoing security and defence matters related to the Ukraine war.

By Khagan Isayev