Kremlin dismisses US claims of North Korean troops in Russia as unfounded

The United States has claimed that North Korean military personnel may be present on Russian territory in the context of the ongoing situation in Ukraine, however, these assertions are not supported by any evidence, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

During a briefing Peskov stated that the Kremlin has chosen to refrain from making any further comments on the issue, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

“I will not say anything on this topic, as all representatives of the United States who speak about this always add the phrase: ‘At the same time, the American side does not have any definitive confirmation’,” he added.

He emphasised that these were not the Kremlin’s words, but rather those of US representatives.

Peskov concluded by noting, “I still have nothing to add to what President Vladimir Putin said at his press conference in Kazan.”

Notably, on November 4, US Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that estimates indicate there are currently between 11,000 and 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia.

He acknowledged press reports suggesting these troops may be involved in combat operations but noted that such claims have yet to be verified. Ryder emphasised that should these troops participate in combat support against Ukraine, they would become legitimate military targets, as highlighted by Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III last week.

The North Korean soldiers arrived in Russia last month and are undergoing training with Russian forces in various military tactics, including infantry skills, unmanned aerial vehicle operations, and artillery tactics. Ryder remarked that it is anticipated they will contribute to combat or combat support efforts.

Russian troops have reportedly equipped the North Korean forces with uniforms and military gear. Ryder indicated that the integration of these troops into Russian military operations would be monitored closely, particularly as they may be intended to replace Russian forces suffering significant casualties in the ongoing conflict.

By Aghakazim Guliyev