러시아ㆍ유라시아

Today, the U.S. government confirmed and released evidence that North Korea (DPRK) is sending troops to Russia, backing South Korean and Ukrainian claims in recent weeks. Speaking in Italy after a trip to Ukraine, U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin called this development a “very, very serious issue” and warned of impacts not only in Europe but in the Indo-Pacific as well. While the U.S. government is still uncertain of the role the North Korean troops will play, Austin suggested that this is an indication that Vladimir Putin “may be even in more trouble than most people realize.” Later this afternoon, the White House confirmed that North Korea has moved at least 3,000 soldiers into eastern Russia and promised to share intelligence, including satellite imagery, in the coming days that will show North Korean ships carrying troops going to Vladivostok, Russia, and other areas for training before potential deployment to the frontlines.