Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned NATO allies in Brussels that the conflict in Ukraine could escalate into a world war after reports of North Korean troops in Russia destined for the front lines emerged. While this is a worrying development, experts do not believe that a third world war is imminent. James Rogers, the director of research at the Council on Geostrategy think tank, stated that while Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops marks a critical stage in the conflict, it is not likely to lead to a wider global war.
South Korean and Ukrainian officials disclosed that around 10,000 North Korean troops were being sent to Russia, with an initial group of 1,500 fighters already deployed. This move comes as both Kyiv and Moscow struggle to replenish their exhausted ranks after more than two and a half years of warfare in Ukraine. Russia and North Korea have signed a defense pact, making North Korean troops a potentially valuable asset for Russia. While the presence of North Korean troops raises concerns, no country outside the conflict has formally committed troops to the front lines, which would significantly escalate the war.
There have been conflicting reports regarding the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that there was evidence of North Korean troops in Russia, but their activities remained uncertain. Despite denials from North Korea and Russia, it appears highly likely that North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia. However, it is unclear if they have been used in front-line fighting. British Defense Secretary John Healey called this move a sign of desperation as well as a shocking escalation in North Korea’s involvement.
Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko, a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, denied reports of North Korean troops being deployed in Russia. He suggested that such a deployment would be a step toward escalating the conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported that North Korea had sent special forces soldiers to Russia, equipped with Russian military uniforms and weapons. The soldiers are expected to be deployed to the front lines after completing training in Russia.
In response to the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, South Korea expressed concern and summoned Moscow’s ambassador while demanding the return of North Korean fighters to the Korean Peninsula. South Korea is also reconsidering its policy of not sending lethal aid to Ukraine, with President Yoon Suk Yeol stating that they may review this decision based on North Korean military activities. The situation remains tense as the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, with the deployment of foreign troops adding a new dimension to the already complex war.
