The U.S. Department of Defense commented on Ukraine’s announcement that North Korean troops deployed to Russia engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces, stating, “This is a matter we are looking into.”
In a briefing on the 7th local time, Deputy Spokesperson Sabrina Singh was asked if the reports could be confirmed and responded, “I cannot confirm this at the moment,” while providing this information.
She mentioned, “It has been said that there’s a high possibility of engagement given that North Korean troops are in Kursk,” adding, “You will know (in the future) whether the North Korean troops have engaged in fighting after moving to Kursk or if they have already fought.”
Regarding the currently deployed North Korean troops, she stated, “Our assessment is that the numbers range between 10,000 to 11,000,” and reported, “As far as we know, no additional North Korean forces have been deployed yet.”
She then questioned, “Could we see more North Korean troops heading to Russia for training?” and answered, “Certainly, it is possible.”
Concerning a preemptive attack on North Korean troops in Russia, she remarked, “Ukrainian forces are operating and maintaining defensive lines in Kursk,” and noted, “We expect North Korean troops to participate in combat and if they do, they will be a legitimate target.”
Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky officially confirmed that Ukrainian forces had engaged in combat with North Korean troops attached to Russian forces.
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