U.S. and South Korea Urge North Korea to Withdraw Troops Allegedly Bound for Russia

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun called on North Korea Wednesday to retract its alleged deployment of approximately 10,000 troops to Russia, which both nations believe could be sent to support Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. 

This appeal, made during a joint press conference at the Pentagon, comes amid escalating concerns that North Korea’s involvement would intensify an already devastating conflict in Eastern Europe.

Speaking on the matter, Secretary Austin suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s need for North Korean troops reflects a critical manpower shortfall within the Russian military. "They're doing this because Putin has lost a significant number of troops," Austin stated. "He faces a decision: either bring in outside assistance or initiate a mobilization. He resists the latter, fearing that Russian citizens will become more aware of the substantial losses Russia has incurred."

Austin’s comments underscore the strain on Russian forces, which U.S. officials estimate has led to over half a million Russian soldiers killed or injured since the war began on February 24, 2022. Russia's continued reliance on external support reflects its challenges in sustaining its campaign, and, according to U.S. and South Korean defense officials, signals a turn to North Korea—an isolated state already heavily sanctioned for its human rights abuses and nuclear ambitions.

Minister Kim echoed Austin’s concerns, condemning North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's reported willingness to send his citizens into the conflict as “cannon fodder mercenaries” in exchange for alignment with Moscow. "Kim Jong Un didn't hesitate to sell out his young people and troops," Minister Kim remarked. "This is not just anti-humanitarian; it's anti-peaceful. Such actions constitute war crimes."

The potential arrival of North Korean soldiers in the Ukraine conflict raises significant geopolitical and humanitarian concerns. Analysts warn that the presence of foreign mercenaries on the battlefield could further complicate peace efforts and deepen hostilities, adding to the already dire human cost of the war. North Korea’s involvement would also mark an unprecedented alignment between two globally isolated regimes, each under substantial international sanctions.

This alleged deployment, if verified, would symbolize a rare alliance between Russia and North Korea, complicating global diplomatic efforts and raising questions about the future of international security partnerships. As Austin and Kim’s remarks suggest, North Korea's support of Russian forces in Ukraine could set a concerning precedent for international conflicts going forward.