The United States expects North Korean soldiers in Russia to deploy in combat against Ukrainian forces in coming days, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday, warning they would become legitimate military targets if they enter the battlefield.
Blinken - speaking at a press conference following a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and their South Korean counterparts - said Russia has been training the North Korean soldiers in artillery, unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, and basic infantry operations, indicating they "fully intend" to use the forces in frontline operations.
The top U.S. diplomat said there were 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia, including as many as 8,000 in the Kursk region where Ukrainian forces continue to hold territory after fighting their way into the Russian border area in August.
"We've not yet seen these troops deploy into combat against Ukrainian forces, but we would expect that to happen in the coming days," Blinken said.
During their meeting, the U.S. and South Korea discussed a range of options for responding, Blinken added, saying Moscow's use of North Korean soldiers in its "meat grinder" war against Ukraine was a "clear sign of weakness."
Speaking beside Blinken, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. would announce new security assistance for Ukraine in coming days.
The U.S. and South Korea agreed that China should do more to curb North Korea's provocative actions, Blinken said, adding that he had a "robust conversation" with Beijing this week.
