North Korean Troops Likely Joining Ukraine War

The White House has confirmed that North Korean soldiers are training in Russia, potentially to join the fight in Ukraine, a move seen as a sign of desperation from President Putin. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby indicated that North Korean troops entering combat would violate multiple UN resolutions and highlight Kremlin weaknesses. UK Defence Secretary John Healey and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warned that this development could escalate tensions globally, linking it to broader security concerns in the Korean Peninsula and the Pacific. Estimates suggest between 1,500 to 12,000 North Korean soldiers may be involved, with implications for international law being assessed. UK diplomats criticized Putin for relying on North Korean troops as 'cannon fodder', while concerns grow over what concessions Pyongyang may demand in return. This evolving situation underscores Russia's struggles in the ongoing conflict, as it seeks to bolster its military forces amid significant casualties.