The minister described what was happening as a dangerous and destabilizing development.
Austin spoke at a news conference alongside South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun amid growing concerns that up to 11,000 North Korean troops are stationed in Russia.
According to the US minister, officials are considering actions related to the deployment of North Korean troops, which, according to him, may expand and prolong the conflict in Ukraine.
Asked if it could prompt other countries to become more directly involved in the conflict, Austin acknowledged that it could “prompt other countries to take action” but did not elaborate on the subject.
Austin said it was quite likely that Russia would use North Korean troops in combat.
“They do it because [Krievijas diktators Vladimirs] Putin has lost a lot of troops,” Austin said, adding that Moscow has a choice between mobilizing more of its own forces or turning to others for help.
The US has estimated that there are currently around 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia.
However, Seoul and its allies estimate that the number of troops sent to Russia has risen to 11,000, according to a senior South Korean presidential office official.
More than 3,000 of them are believed to have gone to combat zones in western Russia, the official said.
A Ukrainian official told the Associated Press that North Korean troops are currently deployed 50 kilometers from Ukraine’s border with Russia.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Defense Expert Dr. Emily Carter
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Carter. Thank you for joining us today to discuss this alarming situation involving North Korean troops in Russia. To start, can you give us a brief overview of what we learned from the recent press conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely, it’s great to be here. The press conference highlighted a significant development—up to 11,000 North Korean troops reportedly being stationed in Russia. Secretary Austin described this as a dangerous and destabilizing situation. The implications here are profound, especially concerning regional security and the ongoing tensions related to North Korea’s military posturing.
Editor: That sounds quite serious. What do you think this troop deployment signals about North Korea’s intentions, especially in the context of its relationship with Russia?
Dr. Carter: It indicates a strengthening of military ties between North Korea and Russia. Historically, both countries have had a complicated relationship, with North Korea often looking to Russia for support when it feels isolated from the West. This deployment could be a strategy by Kim Jong-un to bolster his military standing and create a united front against perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies.
Editor: Given this context, how might this impact the dynamics in East Asia, particularly for South Korea and Japan?
Dr. Carter: The presence of North Korean troops in Russia is likely to be perceived as a direct threat by South Korea and Japan, potentially prompting them to enhance their own military readiness. This could lead to an arms race in the region, as both nations may seek to develop countermeasures to ensure their security. Additionally, it might bring the U.S. and its allies closer together, solidifying defense agreements to counterbalance North Korea’s military capabilities.
Editor: You mentioned that U.S. officials are considering actions related to this troop deployment. What sort of actions could we expect, and what might their potential impacts be?
Dr. Carter: The U.S. could consider a range of diplomatic and military responses. This might include increased sanctions against North Korea and Russia, enhancing military exercises in the region, or even seeking to strengthen alliances with other countries facing similar threats. However, these actions could escalate tensions further, creating a cycle of provocation that prolongs conflicts—not just in the Korean peninsula, but potentially drawing in broader global powers.
Editor: It sounds like a very precarious situation indeed. How do you see this evolving in the coming months?
Dr. Carter: The next few months will be crucial. If North Korea continues to solidify its alliance with Russia and escalates military rhetoric or actions, we could see increased tension not just in East Asia but globally. The international community—particularly the U.S., South Korea, Japan, and China—will need to navigate these waters carefully. A collaborative approach that prioritizes dialogue and reduces military posturing may help to de-escalate tensions and promote stability.
Editor: Thank you for your valuable insights, Dr. Carter. It’s clear that this situation requires close monitoring and strategic action. We appreciate you taking the time to share your expertise with us today.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss these critical issues.