‘Very Serious Issue’: Sec Def Austin Confirms North Korean Troops Are Aiding Russia’s War Against Ukraine

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed on Wednesday that North Korea has made a drastic move and sent soldiers to help Russia fight against Ukraine.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has dragged on for more than two years and cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides, yet has shown no signs of ending anytime soon. Austin told reporters that Russia is now tapping North Korea for troops to aid in the war against Ukraine, though the exact nature of the help the troops are providing is yet to be discovered.

“What exactly they’re doing ? Left to be seen,” Austin told reporters at a military base in Rome, Italy, on Wednesday. “All things that we’re trying to gain better fidelity on… if their intention is to participate in this war on Russia’s behalf, that is a very serious issue.”

Austin didn’t comment on the number of North Korean troops that had been sent to Russia. Ukraine said last week that North Korea was readying at least 10,000 troops for deployment. South Korea said last week that at least 1,500 troops had already been deployed.

None of the unknown number of troops have yet reached Ukraine, intelligence officials told The New York Times. U.S. officials believe that the number of deployed troops may be closer to 2,500.