NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has confirmed the recent deployment of North Korean troops to Russia and the presence of North Korean military units in the Kursk border region. 

A delegation from the Republic of Korea briefed the North Atlantic Council and Indo-Pacific partners on North Korea's increasing involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine. 

Mark Rutte described the deployment as ‘a significant escalation’ of North Korea's involvement in ‘Russia's illegal war’ in Ukraine. 

This violates United Nations Security Council resolutions and represents a ‘dangerous expansion’ of the conflict, he noted. 

Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh revealed that an estimated 10,000 North Korean troops are set to ‘train in eastern Russia’ and are likely to reinforce Russian forces near Ukraine in the coming weeks.  

Sabrina Singh added that ‘a portion of those soldiers have already moved closer to Ukraine.’ 

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III has expressed concerns over the issue, stating that the deployment of DPRK soldiers on the battlefield would mark a further escalation. 

It is said to reflect President Putin's growing desperation due to Russian casualties and the potential troubles he may be facing. More than 600,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded in the conflict, and the Russian President struggles to sustain the assault on Ukraine without external aid. 

Mark Rutte said the move has implications for both European and Indo-Pacific security.  

It stresses the need for democracies to unite in upholding NATO's values and addressing shared security challenges.  

He said: “The deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a threat to both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security. It undermines peace on the Korean Peninsula and fuels the Russian war against Ukraine.  

“Pyongyang has already supplied Russia with millions of rounds of ammunition and ballistic missiles that are fuelling a major conflict in the heart of Europe and undermining global peace and security.” 

NATO Allies are committed to continuing their support for a free and democratic Ukraine.  

The Alliance is actively consulting with Ukraine and Indo-Pacific partners regarding these developments and remains cautious in monitoring the situation.