The presence of North Korean troops in Russia has sent shockwaves through Washington, prompting calls for decisive action and raising the stakes of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chair Rep. Mike Turner has issued a stern warning, stating that if North Korean troops invade Ukraine, the United States must “seriously consider” taking direct military action against them. Turner’s statement comes in response to intelligence reports indicating that North Korea has deployed at least 3,000 soldiers to eastern Russia.
According to White House national security communications adviser John Kirby, these troops were transported by ship from North Korea to Vladivostok, Russia, in early to mid-October. They are currently undergoing training at various Russian military sites. While the U.S. does not yet know if the North Korean troops will join Russian forces in combat, Kirby described the possibility as a “highly concerning probability.”
The presence of North Korean forces in Russia has also ignited a debate about Ukraine’s use of U.S. weapons. Rep. Turner argues that if North Korean troops launch attacks against Ukraine from within Russian territory, Ukraine should be granted permission to retaliate using American weaponry. This proposition directly challenges the Biden administration’s current policy of restricting Ukraine’s use of U.S. weapons against targets inside Russia.
The escalating conflict in Ukraine has led to the U.S. providing billions of dollars in assistance to the Eastern European nation. This latest development, with North Korean troops potentially joining the fray, adds a significant new dimension to the war.
Democrat Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois expressed concerns about the potential for escalation, tweeting, “For those who think the war in Ukraine is unimportant, consider who Putin is partnering with. The presence of North Korean troops in Russia clearly indicates that Putin is not interested in ending this conflict—he is determined to escalate it at any cost.”
The situation is rapidly evolving and raises crucial questions about the scope of American involvement in the Ukraine war. With North Korean troops present in Russia and the potential for further escalation, the international community is closely watching to see how the U.S. responds to this unprecedented development.