North Korea says sending troops to Russia is legal

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on October 25 quoted Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jong-gyu as saying that the Foreign Ministry is not directly involved in matters handled by the Defense Ministry and will not comment directly on any troop deployments, according to Reuters.

However, Mr. Kim added: "If there really is something like what the world media is talking about, I think it would be an act in compliance with international law."

North Korean soldiers in a parade in July 2023

Ukraine, the United States and Western allies say there is evidence that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to Russia, possibly to deploy to fight in Ukraine, according to Reuters.

Previously, North Korea and Russia denied the information. When asked about the issue on October 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not confirm or deny it. The leader said that the implementation of the defense agreement between Russia and North Korea is the right of the two countries.

Speaking at a press conference following the BRICS summit this week, President Putin commented on satellite imagery showing North Korean troops deployed on Russian territory, according to TASS.

The leader said the satellite imagery was serious but also accused NATO troops of being directly involved in the long-standing conflict in Ukraine. Mr Putin also said that the strategic partnership treaty between Russia and North Korea that has been ratified includes Article 4 on military assistance.

"What we will do with this provision is still unclear. But I would like to say that it will be our sovereign decision. Whether to apply it or not, when to apply it is entirely our business," the Russian president said.

Ukrainian military intelligence said on October 24 that about 12,000 North Korean soldiers, including 500 officers and three generals, were in Russia and were training at five military bases. The US said it had evidence that North Korean soldiers were in Russia while South Korean lawmakers said about 3,000 soldiers had been sent and more would be added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on October 25 cited intelligence reports saying that Russia plans to deploy North Korean soldiers to the battlefield from October 27-28.

The national security advisers of the United States, South Korea and Japan on October 25 expressed serious concern about information that North Korea sent troops to Russia, possibly to fight against Ukraine.

US says 3,000 North Korean soldiers are in Russia

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the three security advisers saw the move as a sign of increased military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, and called on both sides to stop transferring weapons and missiles.

In another statement on October 26, the North Korean Foreign Ministry strongly condemned recent military activities by the US and its allies in the Korean peninsula, according to Reuters.

Specifically, Pyongyang mentioned Australia's participation in air drills with the US and South Korea, joint drills between the US and Japan, and a deployment of a US aircraft carrier.

North Korea said this was a reckless military show of force, inconsistent with the current political and military tension on the Korean peninsula, and a serious threat and provocation to regional security.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trieu-tien-noi-viec-dua-quan-sang-nga-la-hop-phap-185241026084222843.htm