Russia Rejects Claims of North Korean Troop Deployment, Emphasizes Cooperation Doesn’t TargetThird Parties
Moscow, October 21, 2024 – Amidst escalating tensions and speculation, Russia has issued its first official response to allegations that North Korea is sending troops to aid Russia in the ongoing conflict withUkraine. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, dismissed the claims as contradictory and urged caution in interpreting related reports.
We believe that this information is contradictory and should be viewed with skepticism, Peskov stated. He further emphasized that Russia’s cooperation with North Korea is not directed at any third party and should not be a cause for concern.
The initialclaims were made by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) on October 18th. According to NIS analysis, North Korea is deploying troops to Russia via Russian naval vessels, with an estimated total of 10,000 soldiers. The first contingent, comprising approximately 1,500 soldiers, has reportedly arrived in Russia’s Far East region and is undergoing acclimatization training.
Ukraine has also corroborated these claims, suggesting that the number of North Korean troops deployed could reach 10,000, with theinitial deployment destined for Kursk Oblast, a region bordering Russia.
However, both NATO and the United States have expressed caution, stating they lack concrete evidence to support these claims.
The Russian Embassy in Seoul has also issued a statement, reiterating that Russia’s collaboration with North Korea is conducted within the framework of internationallaw and does not infringe upon South Korea’s security interests.
This development comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions between North Korea and South Korea, with the two countries engaging in a series of military provocations and rhetoric.
The alleged deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, if confirmed, would represent a significant escalationin the conflict and raise concerns about the potential for wider regional instability.
References:
- Russia Rejects Claims of North Korean Troop Deployment, Emphasizes Cooperation Doesn’t Target Third Parties. Caixin Global, October 21, 2024.
- South Korea SaysNorth Korea Sending Troops to Russia. The New York Times, October 18, 2024.
- Ukraine Says North Korean Troops Could Be Deployed to Kursk Oblast. Reuters, October 19, 2024.
- NATO Says It Has No Evidence of North Korean Troopsin Russia. The Guardian, October 20, 2024.
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