Yesterday at 20:01
Chairman of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, Mike Turner, is demanding an “immediate” briefing from the White House in light of reports suggesting that North Korean troops may be actively participating in combat operations against Ukraine on behalf of Russia.
Turner stressed that the involvement of North Korean military forces in the conflict should serve as a “red line.”
In his letter, Turner described the intelligence regarding North Korean troops in Ukraine as “deeply concerning,” pointing to a “significant escalation” of the conflict.
“North Korean forces launching attacks on Ukraine from Russian territory or entering Ukrainian soil should represent a definitive red line for both the U.S. and NATO. Your administration must communicate this clearly and unequivocally,” Turner wrote to President Biden.
He also emphasized the need for a briefing in the House Intelligence Committee to assess the potential deployment of North Korean forces in the war against Ukraine.
Previously, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, indicated that around 11,000 North Korean infantrymen could be involved in the conflict starting in November.
South Korean intelligence has also reported the transfer of North Korean military personnel to Russia.
Estonian intelligence, however, believes that the presence of North Korean troops on Russia’s side will not significantly alter the situation on the front lines.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer added that if North Korean troop involvement on Russia’s side is confirmed, it would indicate the “level of desperation” in the Kremlin.
Read also: Joining NATO without occupied areas off table – Ukraine’s Vice PM
