Austin: Putin cannot defeat Ukraine, even with North Korean support

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during a joint press conference with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hwan that Russia can not achieve victory in Ukraine despite deploying thousands of North Korean troops on its territory.

North Korea has sent approximately 10,000 soldiers for training in eastern Russia. Some of these North Korean troops have already moved 50 km from Ukraine’s border.

“We see them wearing Russian uniforms and equipped with Russian equipment,” Austin said.

The Defense Secretary pointed out that Russia is a signatory to a UN Security Council resolution prohibiting military assistance to North Korea.

“Turning to troops from a pariah state like North Korea only indicates how significant his [Putin’s] problems are,” Austin said.

According to Austin, the Pentagon is monitoring the situation closely.

“We take this very seriously. We call on the Kremlin to change course and are fully aware of the security implications for Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. Putin will not achieve victory in Ukraine, even with increased support from North Korea,” he said.

US President Joe Biden endorsed potential Ukrainian military action against North Korean forces if they enter Ukraine amid growing concerns over North Korean troop presence in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.

“I am concerned about it,” Biden said, according to Reuters, when asked about North Korean troops in Kursk Oblast.

When questioned if Ukraine should strike back against North Korean forces crossing into Ukraine, Biden responded, “If they cross into Ukraine, yes.”

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