The United States expects North Korean soldiers to join the fighting against Ukrainian forces in the coming days, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said today, quoted by Reuters and AFP.
He warned that these soldiers would become legitimate military targets if they entered the battlefield.
Russia is training the North Korean military in artillery, drone and base infantry operations, indicating it has “full intent” to use them in front-line operations, Blinken added at a news conference after meeting US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and their South Korean counterparts. BTA reported.
According to America’s top diplomat, there are 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia, including up to 8,000 in Kursk Oblast, where Ukrainian forces continue to control Russian territory.
“We have not yet seen these troops deploy in combat against Ukrainian forces, but we would expect that to happen in the coming days,” the secretary of state noted. He added that at their meeting, the four ministers discussed different options for responses and pointed out that the use of the North Korean military in the “meat grinder” of the war against Ukraine was a “clear sign of weakness.”
Washington will announce new security aid to Ukraine within days, Austin added at the same press conference.
The US and South Korea were of the same opinion that China must do more to deter North Korea’s provocative actions, Blinken added, noting that he had had a “strong conversation” with Beijing over the past week.
Both China and the rest of the world know the concerns of the US and their expectations, “so we’ll see if they take action,” Blinken added. “I think this is a request that comes not only from us, but from countries all over the world,” he stressed.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Military Analyst Dr. Jane Thompson
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Thompson. Thank you for joining us today. There’s a lot of concern around the potential involvement of North Korean soldiers in the conflict in Ukraine, as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently mentioned. Can you shed some light on what this could mean for the dynamics of the war?
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. The prospect of North Korean soldiers entering the Ukrainian conflict is indeed alarming. It signifies a deeper level of cooperation between North Korea and Russia. If these troops are being trained in artillery and drone operations, it suggests that they will not only be a numerical reinforcement but also bring additional tactical expertise that could alter frontline engagements.
Editor: That raises an interesting point. What kind of military capabilities are North Korean forces likely to bring to the table, especially having trained under Russian military guidance?
Dr. Thompson: North Korean military doctrine has traditionally focused on missile technology and large-scale infantry tactics. However, with Russian training, they are likely to enhance their proficiency in modern warfare tactics, such as coordinated drone strikes and the effective use of artillery. This could make them a serious threat on the battlefield, especially if they integrate these tactics with their existing strategies.
Editor: Blinken mentioned that if North Korean soldiers do engage in the conflict, they would become legitimate military targets. How does international law play into this scenario?
Dr. Thompson: International law is quite clear on the rules of engagement. If North Korean troops participate in hostilities against Ukrainian forces, they would indeed be classified as combatants. This means they would be subject to battlefield rules. However, this also raises ethical concerns about targeting soldiers from a regime known for its repressive policies and the implications this has for civilian populations caught in the crossfire.
Editor: It’s a complex situation. How do you see this impacting the overall geopolitical landscape? Could we see other nations reacting to North Korea’s involvement?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. The entry of North Korean troops into Ukraine could prompt a variety of responses. Countries in the region, particularly South Korea and Japan, might feel more compelled to bolster their own military readiness. We could also see a renewed focus by the US and its allies on sanctions and diplomatic efforts to isolate North Korea further. Additionally, this could affect Russia’s relationships with other nations — some may question the wisdom of using a military partner that is widely viewed as a pariah.
Editor: As a final thought, what steps should Ukraine and its allies take in response to this potential threat?
Dr. Thompson: Ukraine must continue to enhance its defensive capabilities and build on NATO support. It will be crucial for them to integrate intelligence sharing more effectively to anticipate North Korean tactics. Furthermore, diplomatic channels should remain open to limit the scope of North Korean involvement and, ideally, to negotiate the withdrawal of any foreign troops already engaged.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that the potential involvement of North Korean soldiers could have significant implications for the conflict and international relations as a whole.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a situation worth watching closely.