US holds firm on Ukraine weapon use as reports of North Korean troops in Russia emerge

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh announced that the U.S. would not impose additional restrictions on Ukraine’s use of American-supplied weapons if North Korea joins the conflict on Russia’s side.

This statement follows reports that North Korea has deployed approximately 10,000 soldiers to Russia, with some units already positioned in the Kursk region, Caliber.Az reports.

In response, Ukrainian officials have renewed their calls to lift restrictions on strikes within Russian territory, and North Korean defectors have reportedly expressed willingness to assist Ukraine as "psychological warfare agents."

The Pentagon reiterated that if North Korean forces become involved in direct combat, it could signal further escalation, illustrating what Singh described as “President Putin’s increasing desperation.” She added that this would be a troubling development given the significant losses Russia has suffered on the battlefield. Reports indicate that while some North Korean units have moved closer to Ukraine, the Pentagon has yet to confirm their active presence in Kursk.

Meanwhile, NATO’s new Secretary-General, Mark Rutte, highlighted the security threat posed by deepening Russia-North Korea military ties, which he said impacts both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions. President Joe Biden echoed these concerns, describing North Korea's potential involvement as “very dangerous.”

While the Kremlin initially dismissed reports of North Korean troop movements as misinformation, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently hinted at Moscow’s discretion regarding the partnership with Pyongyang. He warned of retaliation if Western support allows Ukraine to strike targets deep within Russian territory, framing it as “direct NATO intervention.”

North Korea's foreign ministry did not confirm the troop deployment but suggested that if Pyongyang takes such actions, they would align with international standards. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the first North Korean units were observed in the Kursk region, but the Pentagon has withheld confirmation of these reports.

Furthermore, The New York Times, citing Ukrainian sources, claimed that North Korean troops were transported by Il-76 aircraft from Vladivostok to a Russian military airfield and then deployed toward the conflict zone.

By Tamilla Hasanova