Additional Coverage:
- Kim Jong Un to send Putin 12,000 soldiers, South Korea says; U.S. warns they’ll be ‘fair game’ (nbcnews.com)
North Korea to Send 12,000 Troops to Russia
South Korea reports that North Korea is sending 12,000 troops to Russia, including special forces, engineers, and artillery units. The United States and its allies condemn this move as a “provocation.”
US Declares Troops “Fair Game”
The US National Security Council warns that North Korean soldiers in Ukraine will be targeted as legitimate combatants. Washington believes that 3,000 troops have already arrived in Russia.
Seoul Raises Concerns
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol says the troop deployment threatens the Korean peninsula’s security. He warns that South Korea will respond if necessary.
Ukraine Prepares for New Threat
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Pyongyang is preparing two brigades of 6,000 soldiers each to support Russia. Ukrainian forces will defend themselves against North Korean troops as they do against Russian soldiers.
China Calls for Peace
China, despite its close ties to Russia and North Korea, urges a peaceful settlement to the Ukraine conflict. Beijing denies knowledge of North Korean troops being deployed to Russia.
US Accuses China of Drone Assistance
The US Treasury department sanctions two Chinese companies for collaborating with Russia in the production of attack drones used in Ukraine. China condemns the sanctions.