The United States has confirmed that 3,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia, potentially to support Moscow's efforts in the Ukraine conflict. These troops are reportedly training at multiple military sites in Russia's Far East, raising concerns about North Korea's direct involvement in the war. U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, have stated that if North Korean forces engage in combat in Ukraine, they would be considered legitimate military targets. Reports indicate that the total number of North Korean soldiers in Russia may reach up to 12,000, with South Korean intelligence suggesting a similar figure. The situation is viewed as a significant escalation, with potential implications for international relations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. While North Korea's involvement has been denied by Pyongyang and Moscow, satellite images and intelligence from South Korea and Ukraine support these claims.