(Washington = Yonhap News) Correspondent Park Seong-min = On the 13th (local time), the U.S. Department of Defense assessed that North Korean military forces deployed in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are not to be underestimated.
In a briefing, Pat Ryder, the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, was asked to evaluate the North Korean military forces. He stated, “I won’t comment on specific information,” but added that “they are a well-disciplined and competent force.”
He continued, “Primarily infantry forces, and they are capable in every way,” adding that “what we are witnessing on the battlefield in Ukraine is that they pose a definite threat.”
Ryder also commented, “Ukraine is holding up well, but it’s a very tough fight, and Russia is gradually making gains.”
He noted, “The 12,000 North Korean troops that Russia can deploy to the battlefield are clearly a significant force, making the situation much more difficult for Ukraine. However, Ukraine is continuing to fight and is doing everything possible to hold the defense line.”
Ryder concluded by stating, “Our focus is on cooperating with the international community to ensure Ukraine has what it needs for frontline defense.”