US, South Korea worried that North Koreans could soon fight Ukrainians > US Department of Defense > Department of Defense News

The Defense Department is closely monitoring the unprecedented level of direct military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said.

Austin met today with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun for the 56th Annual Security Advisory Meeting. They also held a joint press conference at the Pentagon.

There is evidence that North Korea has sent about 10,000 soldiers to Russia. Some of those soldiers have already been moved closer to Ukraine and are being provided with Russian uniforms and equipment, Austin said.

“I am increasingly concerned that the Kremlin plans to use these North Korean soldiers to support Russian combat operations in Russia's Kursk region, near the border with Ukraine,” Austin said.

“(Russian President Vladimir) Putin has done everything he can to get weapons from (North Korea) and Iran. Turning to a pariah state like North Korea for troops just underscores how much trouble it is,” Austin said.

“Putin will not prevail in Ukraine even with more help from North Korea,” said the minister.

Today's discussions focused on modernizing and deepening the South Korea-U.S. alliance, which will help protect the security of the Korean Peninsula and shape the future of the Indo-Pacific region, Austin said.

“I assured Mr. Kim today that the United States remains fully committed to the defense of the Republic of Korea,” Austin said, referring to South Korea. “Our commitment to extended deterrence remains ironclad. This commitment is supported by the full spectrum of America’s conventional, missile defense, nuclear and advanced non-nuclear capabilities.”

Austin also noted that the US has returned to large-scale exercises with South Korea. This, he said, strengthens the countries' shared preparedness and interoperability.

Kim reiterated that the US-South Korea alliance is more important than ever and praised the two nations' strengthening security cooperation, including large-scale joint exercises, cross-domain training and regional cooperation with East Asian countries.

The defense minister also condemned North Korea and Russia's violation of the rules-based order and said North Koreans were likely being used as cannon fodder.