North Koreans have defected in Russia

The US government is concerned about unconfirmed reports of North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia. Thousands of North Koreans are believed to be making preparations for battle near Ukraine at this moment. This is no longer just about delivering weapons, warned Zelenskyj over the weekend.

» Published: October 16 2024

North Koreans have defected in Russia
Photo: Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik/pool via AP/TT

Share this article

If the information is correct, it would mark a significant increase in Russia's and North Korea's military cooperation, according to Sean Savett, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council.

"Such a move would also indicate a new level of desperation for Russia," says Savett in a statement.

On Tuesday, reports emerged that 18 North Korean soldiers had already deserted their positions in Russia, a few kilometers north of the border with Ukraine. Russian military is searching for the deserters, reports the Ukrainian public service company Suspilne, citing anonymous sources within the country's intelligence service.

Thousands of soldiers

According to sources for several Ukrainian media outlets, Russia is preparing a whole battalion, including North Korean soldiers, to be deployed in the Russian Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces are conducting an offensive. Kyiv Post reported on Tuesday that up to 3,000 North Koreans are expected to join the battalion.

The information has not been confirmed by independent parties.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyj warned on Sunday that North Korea is sending military personnel to Russia.

We see a growing alliance between Russia and regimes like North Korea. This is no longer just about delivering weapons. It's actually about transferring people from North Korea to the occupying military forces, he said in his evening speech.

Robots and grenades

Earlier this summer, Russia's President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea and signed a partnership agreement with the country's dictator Kim Jong-Un. On Monday, Putin according to Kyiv Post submitted a draft law to the Russian lower house, the State Duma, to ratify the agreement.

The agreement, among other things, stipulates that if either party is attacked or goes to war, the other will provide military assistance "in all possible ways".

North Korea has previously delivered significant quantities of weapons to Russia, including grenades and robots.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Thailand Awaits Verdict on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra
3 MIN READ

Thailand Awaits Verdict on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Wife of South Korea's Ex-President Yoon Suk-Yeol Faces Charges
1 MIN READ

Wife of South Korea's Ex-President Yoon Suk-Yeol Faces Charges

USA Approves $7.8 Billion Arms Package for Ukraine
1 MIN READ

USA Approves $7.8 Billion Arms Package for Ukraine

Retrial Ordered for Former Officers in Tyre Nichols Case
1 MIN READ

Retrial Ordered for Former Officers in Tyre Nichols Case

Shooter Fires 120 Rounds in Minneapolis Church, Killing Two Children
2 MIN READ

Shooter Fires 120 Rounds in Minneapolis Church, Killing Two Children

Hungary Blocks Ukrainian Commander Over Oil Pipeline Dispute
1 MIN READ

Hungary Blocks Ukrainian Commander Over Oil Pipeline Dispute

Polish Air Force F16 Crash During Exercise Kills Pilot
1 MIN READ

Polish Air Force F16 Crash During Exercise Kills Pilot

Trump to Address UN General Assembly in New York
1 MIN READ

Trump to Address UN General Assembly in New York

Haiti Faces Humanitarian Crisis Amidst Escalating Violence and Instability
3 MIN READ

Haiti Faces Humanitarian Crisis Amidst Escalating Violence and Instability

Kyiv Struggles to Counter Escalating Russian Drone and Missile Attacks
2 MIN READ

Kyiv Struggles to Counter Escalating Russian Drone and Missile Attacks

UN Extends Lebanon Peacekeeping Mission Until 2027
1 MIN READ

UN Extends Lebanon Peacekeeping Mission Until 2027

Israeli Military Strikes Huthi Targets in Yemen's Capital Sanaa
1 MIN READ

Israeli Military Strikes Huthi Targets in Yemen's Capital Sanaa

Alligator Alcatraz Closure Plans Move Forward Amid Environmental Concerns
1 MIN READ

Alligator Alcatraz Closure Plans Move Forward Amid Environmental Concerns

Europe Moves to Reinstate UN Sanctions on Iran Over Nuclear Dispute
4 MIN READ

Europe Moves to Reinstate UN Sanctions on Iran Over Nuclear Dispute

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Faces New Sexual Harassment Allegations
2 MIN READ

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Faces New Sexual Harassment Allegations

Kyiv Resident Natalya Lytvynova Sees Divine Protection Amid Russian Attack
2 MIN READ

Kyiv Resident Natalya Lytvynova Sees Divine Protection Amid Russian Attack

Over 20 Killed in New Attack by Rapid Support Forces in Sudan
1 MIN READ

Over 20 Killed in New Attack by Rapid Support Forces in Sudan

UN Experts Alarmed by Disappearances During Gaza Food Distribution
2 MIN READ

UN Experts Alarmed by Disappearances During Gaza Food Distribution

Gaza Crisis: UN Urges More Aid as Children Face Severe Malnutrition
1 MIN READ

Gaza Crisis: UN Urges More Aid as Children Face Severe Malnutrition

Minor Plane Accident at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport Involving Juneyao Airlines
1 MIN READ

Minor Plane Accident at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport Involving Juneyao Airlines