John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, said that North Korean troops sent to fight against Ukraine by Russia are “fair game”. This follows previous reports from Ukraine, and South Korea. Kyiv and Seoul claim that Moscow plans to include thousands of North Korean soldiers in its full-scale conflict. Kirby said at a White House press briefing that if they were to deploy against Ukraine, the Ukrainian military would defend itself against North Korean soldiers in the same manner as they do against Russian soldiers. “So the possibility of North Korean soldiers being killed or wounded is very real if they are deployed. Kirby revealed the details of U.S. Intelligence assessments, stating that Washington believes North Korea has “moved a minimum of 3000 soldiers to eastern Russia.” “We estimate that these soldiers traveled from the Wan region in North Korea by ship to Vladivostok in Russia,” he said. “These soldiers then traveled to multiple Russian military sites in eastern Russia, where they are undergoing training.” “Kirby stated that it was too soon to say with certainty if the soldiers “will enter combat alongside the Russian Military,” but added that it was a ‘highly concerning likelihood.'” He said that he had briefed the Ukrainian Government on his understanding of the situation. “We are also consulting closely with allies, partners, and countries in the area on the implications of a move of this magnitude and how we could respond,” he added. “I’m expecting to have more information to share in the next few days.” Kyrylo Budanov is the head of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR). He said that North Korean units would arrive in Kursk Oblast, on October 23. According to military intelligence, there are some North Korean officers in the occupied territory of Ukraine. A Kremlin spokesperson has given an evasive response on the matter. According to video footage, North Korean troops are pictured at a Russian military camp. South Korean media reported Oct. 22 that Pyongyang had sent pilots who could fly Russian warplanes into the Ukraine conflict. South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said that South Korea was also considering sending personnel to Ukraine in order to monitor North Korean forces.
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