US defence secretary says can't confirm North Korean troop deployment to Russia

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has stated that he could not confirm reports suggesting that North Korea has sent troops to Russia in anticipation of a potential deployment to the war in Ukraine. 

However, he acknowledged that such a development would be concerning if true.

"I've seen those reports in the media. I can't confirm those reports at this point in time. This is something that we will certainly continue to investigate," the Pentagon chief said, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

On October 18, South Korea's intelligence agency reported that North Korea had dispatched 1,500 special forces troops to Russia's Far East for training and acclimatization at local military bases, with expectations of their eventual deployment in combat operations in Ukraine. The intelligence 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused North Korea on October 17 of deploying officers alongside Russian forces and preparing to send an additional 10,000 soldiers to bolster Moscow's military efforts. Meanwhile, NATO chief Mark Rutte stated earlier this week that there was currently no evidence to support claims of North Korean military presence in the conflict.

Both Russia and North Korea have denied allegations that North Korea has dispatched military personnel to support Russia's operations in Ukraine.

By Khagan Isayev