It's now confirmed that North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine. South Korea's intelligence agency reports that about 1, 500 North Korean special forces began heading to Russia in October. They were transported by Russian ships and given Russian uniforms, weapons, and fake IDs. The U. S. estimates the number of troops could be as high as 3, 000. Both South Korea and Ukraine believe North Korea plans to send up to 12, 000 more troops. Eyewitness accounts and videos support these claims. Six North Koreans were reportedly killed in a Ukrainian missile strike near Donetsk. The U. K. 's U. N. ambassador agrees, saying it's highly likely North Korea is helping Russia.

North Korea denies sending troops, and Russia's press secretary gave a vague response, saying their cooperation isn't against any third country. However, Putin has questioned Ukraine's statehood, which might mean Russia sees no issues with North Korean troops. North Korea has previously sent over 17, 000 containers of weapons to Russia. Meanwhile, South Korea hasn't sent weapons to Ukraine directly but has shipped artillery shells to the U. S. South Korea might start sending arms to Ukraine due to North Korea's troop transfers.

The U. S. initially didn't confirm North Korea's troop transfer, but the Defense Secretary later acknowledged it. Despite denials, the U. S. and U. K. should encourage South Korea to send arms to Ukraine. Ukraine needs more ammunition and weapons. The U. S. recently announced $400 million more in aid, but it's not enough. European assistance also falls short. South Korean weapons could help Ukraine fight Russia's ongoing offensive. This makes the war a proxy conflict between the Koreas, but it's important to see global security as interconnected. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agrees, saying the security of the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic regions is linked.

North Korean Troops in Ukraine: A Global War Perspective

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