It has been confirmed that North Korean troops have begun participating in military operations against Ukraine.

A new statement has come from the U.S. Department of State regarding North Korea's military deployment to Russia. U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel confirmed that North Korean troops stationed in Russia's Kursk region have begun participating in combat operations against Ukrainian forces.

Patel stated, "The decision to turn to North Korea for troop supplies to continue Russia's brutal war against Ukraine is extremely concerning to us," and added, "Today, I can confirm that more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to eastern Russia, and many of them have crossed into western Kursk Oblast to participate in combat operations alongside Russian forces."

"THEY WERE TRAINED FOR CRITICAL INFANTRY OPERATIONS"

Patel noted that Russian forces have trained North Korean troops in "critical" infantry operations such as artillery, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and trench-clearing operations, commenting, "Some of the challenges they will face include issues of integration, language barriers, command and control, and communication." Patel added that the U.S. continues to monitor the situation in cooperation with other allies in the region.

THE TIMING IS STRIKING

The timing of the U.S. Department of State's statement is noteworthy, coming after Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un approved a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement that includes mutual assistance in the event of an attack on either side.