The Pentagon has raised serious concerns over North Korea’s deepening military support for Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder revealed that North Korea has deployed approximately 10,000 troops to Russia’s Far Eastern Federal District for joint training exercises, with a smaller contingent already stationed in Russia’s Kursk region near Ukraine’s eastern border.
“Initial indications are that these troops will take on infantry roles,” Ryder stated, expressing worry that Russia may intend to use these forces in combat operations against Ukrainian troops in Kursk. This deployment underscores Russia’s struggle to sustain its manpower in Ukraine, leading it to seek international military support. “The fact that they now need to outsource for foreign troops speaks volumes about their challenges in maintaining personnel levels,” Ryder noted.
North Korea’s military aid to Russia comes shortly after U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s recent visit to Kyiv, where he reaffirmed unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine. During this visit, Austin emphasized the broader implications of Russian aggression, noting that “when the largest military in Europe turns aggressive, the entire continent feels the shock.” Austin’s visit included a nearly $400 million U.S. aid package to Ukraine, bringing total U.S. support since February 2022 to over $59.5 billion, covering air defense, artillery, and critical munitions.
Ryder also addressed the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, noting that the Pentagon remains vigilant against potential Iranian retaliation following recent Israeli airstrikes. “We’re fully prepared for all contingencies,” Ryder said, reaffirming the U.S.’s steadfast support for Israel’s defense. In line with these commitments, U.S. Defense Secretary Austin recently approved the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to bolster Israel’s missile defense capabilities in response to recent Iranian missile strikes.
The Pentagon also expressed concern over proposed Israeli legislation that could hinder the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s (UNRWA) humanitarian operations in Gaza. “We are troubled by the potential impact on UNRWA’s critical aid efforts,” Ryder said, stressing that Gaza requires urgent assistance to protect Palestinian civilians amidst ongoing conflict. He affirmed the Department of Defense’s support for diplomatic solutions and peaceful de-escalation.
“The window for diplomacy is always open,” Ryder concluded, reiterating the Pentagon’s commitment to peace initiatives as tensions continue to escalate globally.–News Desk