Official announcements from the US Department of Defense or other reliable international news agencies

US Defense Secretary Confirms 3,000 North Korean Troops in Russia, Possible Deployment to Ukraine

Oct 23, 2024, 12:05 PM

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has confirmed that the United States has evidence of North Korean troops being present in Russia, marking the first official confirmation from the US government. Speaking in Rome, Austin stated, "There is evidence that there are DPRK troops in Russia. What exactly they are doing? Left to be seen. These are things that we need to sort out." He characterized the development as a "very serious issue" that could have ramifications in both Europe and Asia. Reports also indicate that South Korea's spy chief informed lawmakers that 3,000 North Korean troops are in Russia, receiving training on drones and other equipment before potentially being deployed to battlefields in Ukraine.