Fri Nov 01 08:40:00 UTC 2024: ## North Korean Troops Expected to Join Russian Offensive in Ukraine
**Washington, D.C.** – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Thursday that approximately 8,000 North Korean soldiers are poised to join the Russian war effort in Ukraine. These troops, trained in artillery and basic infantry operations by Russia, are expected to be deployed in the Kursk region in the coming days.
The deployment marks the first time in a century that Russia has invited foreign troops onto its soil. The move highlights the mounting pressure on Russia, which has been suffering heavy casualties, with an estimated 1,200 soldiers dying each day in eastern Ukraine.
Secretary Blinken characterized the move as a sign of Russia’s weakness, stating that “Putin has been throwing more and more Russians into a meat grinder of his own making in Ukraine. Now he’s turning to North Korean troops…”
While the US has threatened no new limits on arms assistance to Ukraine should North Korea join the war, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed confidence in Ukraine’s ability to hold its ground, citing Russia’s staggering casualty rate.
The announcement comes amidst news of North Korea’s longest ever intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, which launched over 620 miles towards the Sea of Japan. Though the US denied any Russian involvement in the missile test, Secretary Austin warned that North Korea’s partnership with Russia may embolden future actions like the ICBM launch.
The US is currently working with allies in the region to analyze the North Korean missile launch and assess the potential consequences of the growing partnership between North Korea and Russia.
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