Russia's involvement of North Korean troops brings war against Ukraine to new scale – French foreign minister

Mariya Yemets — Saturday, 19 October 2024, 17:20

Jean-Noël Barrot, France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, has suggested that if the North Korean military does indeed join the Russian war against Ukraine on the Kremlin's side, it would be a serious development, though it would also signal that Russia is facing significant challenges.

Source: Barrot at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Barrot noted that if the information about the future involvement of North Korea's military in the war against Ukraine alongside Russia's is confirmed, it would not be a complete surprise, as Pyongyang has long been providing the Kremlin with some support.

The minister emphasised that this would be a very serious development, as it would take the war to a new scale.

However, he added, it would also show that Russia is facing serious difficulties in waging the war.

Background: 

  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that if the participation of the North Korean military on the side of the Russian Federation in the war against Ukraine was confirmed, it would demonstrate the Kremlin's "level of desperation".
  • Ukraine's spy chief, Kyrylo Budanov, reported earlier that about 11,000 North Korean troops could be deployed to the war zone in November.
  • South Korean intelligence also noted that North Korean troops were being sent to Russia.
  • Estonian intelligence believes that the participation of North Korean soldiers in the war on Moscow's side will not change the situation on the battlefield.

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