Key Republican calls for military action if North Korea join Ukraine conflict

House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) stated on October 23 that the United States should consider “direct military action” if North Korean troops enter the ongoing war in Ukraine.

This statement follows reports that thousands of North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The White House disclosed earlier that at least 3,000 North Korean troops are undergoing training at military bases in eastern Russia, raising concerns that they could eventually be deployed to support Russian forces in Ukraine. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the presence of these troops in the former Soviet state.

Turner emphasized that the Biden-Harris Administration must clearly communicate that the presence of North Korean troops in the conflict would be unacceptable for the US “If North Korean troops were to invade Ukraine’s sovereign territory, the United States needs to seriously consider taking direct military action against them,” he asserted.

Reports indicate that North Korea has transported at least 3,000 soldiers to eastern Russia via ships from Wonsan to Vladivostok. These soldiers are currently training at three military sites in eastern Russia, as noted by White House national security spokesperson John Kirby. While it remains uncertain whether these troops will engage in combat, Kirby described the situation as highly concerning.

The US has kept the Ukrainian government informed about this development, including potential responses to North Korean involvement. Kirby issued a stark warning that should North Korean troops be deployed against Ukraine, they would be considered legitimate military targets. “If they do deploy to fight against Ukraine, they’re fair game,” he said, asserting that the Ukrainian military would defend itself against North Korean forces just as it does against Russian troops.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently warned that North Korea is sending close to 10,000 troops to aid Russian forces. He has repeatedly urged Washington to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons provided to Ukraine in light of this escalating situation.

By Vafa Guliyeva