Netherlands: 1,500 North Koreans are now fighting with Russia against Ukraine
“At least” 1,500 North Korean soldiers have arrived in Russia, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed. There could be more, he said. It mainly concerns special units that are expected to be deployed initially in the Russian border region of Kursk, he said.
The West cannot accept this and must come up with an “appropriate response,” according to the Minister. “This is a clear escalation.” By deploying the North Koreans, Russia wants to find out how the West will react and “how effective” the North Koreans are, Brekelmans said shortly before the start of the Council of Ministers.
The arrival of the North Koreans is causing him “great concern.” He does not want to speculate on the West’s reaction. This is still being discussed. Brekelmans does point out that it will be quite complicated to take steps against North Korea because there are already so many sanctions against that country. “But a very clear signal will have to be sent.”
After Kursk, the North Koreans will probably be deployed elsewhere, the Minister believes. “That will also depend on our response.” Ukrainian soldiers occupied the Kursk region in early August. That was a big surprise for the Kremlin. The Ukrainians are now being pushed back, but according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, his troops are holding out.
According to Kyiv, over 12,000 North Korean troops have already arrived in Russia. South Korea previously estimated that some 3,000 troops have been transferred. Moscow and Pyongyang signed a comprehensive strategic partnership this summer. Russian President Vladimir Putin said he considers any deployment of North Korean troops to be Moscow’s business.
