The European Union has expressed deep concern over reports suggesting North Korea is sending troops to Russia, highlighting increased military cooperation between the two nations, said European Commission spokesperson for foreign policy Peter Stano at a briefing, UNN reported on October 21.
Stano also pointed out that any confirmation of North Korean troop transfers would mark “another level of escalation” and a deepening of military ties between the two nations, in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. “This shows how determined Russia is to escalate its unlawful actions against Ukraine and that it has no interest in peaceful solutions.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had earlier warned that “sending North Korean troops to fight side by side with Russia in Ukraine would mean a significant escalation.”
Stano said, “We are aware of reports indicating that North Korea and Russia are expanding their military cooperation, including the possible deployment of North Korean soldiers to Russia.”
Stano added that such actions demonstrate Russia’s increasing reliance on assistance from an isolated regime under UN sanctions. “It must be a very 'special operation' in Ukraine if Russia is seeking help from soldiers of a rogue regime,” he said, referring to North Korea’s status under international sanctions.
Earlier, 18 North Korean soldiers tried to escape from Russian positions in Kursk region but were captured and are now expected to be deployed in assaults against the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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