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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Friday that Russia could deploy North Korean troops to combat zones in Ukraine as soon as Sunday.
Why it matters: The move could mark a significant escalation in the war and has already drawn preemptive warnings from South Korea and the U.S.
Driving the news: “According to intelligence, the first North Korean soldiers are expected to be deployed by Russia to combat zones as early as October 27โ28,” Zelensky wrote on X Friday.
- He added that the troop movements were a “clear escalation by Russia.”
- The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine wrote in a Telegram post Friday that intercepted communications from Russian troops stationed in Kursk, a border region of Russia where Ukraine launched an incursion this summer, indicated they were preparing for the arrival of North Korean troops.
- The post added that the estimated number of North Korean troops in Russia is now about 12,000.
The White House did not immediately respond to Axios’ request for comment Friday.
- The Pentagon referred Axios to previous remarks from the Defense Department earlier this week.
The big picture: The U.S. confirmed earlier this week that North Korean troops had reached Russia, their first deployment abroad since the Vietnam War, per NBC News.
- Zelensky warned last week that at least 10,000 North Korean troops would soon join Russia in its war against his country. South Korea had also issued multiple warnings about the deployment of North Korean troops.
- North Korea’s willingness to deploy troops to aid a foreign war in Europe has raised questions of what Russia has promised North Korea in return.
The big picture: U.S. national security spokesperson John Kirby said at a press briefing Wednesday that there was a “highly concerning probability” that thousands of North Korean troops would join Russian forces on the battlefield.
- “If they do deploy to fight against Ukraine, they’re fair game.ย They’re fair targets.ย And the Ukrainian military will defend themselves against North Korean soldiers the same way they’re defending themselves against Russian soldiers,” Kirby added.
- Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said Thursday that Russia’s soliciting of aid from North Korean troops was a sign of Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s “desperation.”
Go deeper: What to know about the Russia-North Korea alliance
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional comment from the Pentagon.