### NATO Urges Halt to North Korean Troop Deployment in Russia

NATO has called upon Russia and North Korea to "immediately" cease the ongoing deployment of North Korean forces. The Pentagon estimates that there are currently at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia's Kursk Oblast, a number that could potentially rise according to Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon's press secretary. Ryder suggests that the total number of North Korean troops in Russia might already be closer to 11,000 to 12,000, with additional forces potentially moving to the Kursk region.

At a recent press briefing, Ryder addressed the situation, stating that while there have been reports about North Korean troops allegedly participating in combat operations, these claims could not be confirmed at the moment. Ryder emphasized the ongoing assessment of these reports by U.S. authorities.

NATO had previously confirmed that North Korean troops were being deployed alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region, an area subjected to Ukrainian assault. Secretary General Mark Rutte identified this deployment as a significant escalation in North Korea's involvement in the conflict, describing it as part of Russia's illegal war efforts.

In response to these developments, North Korea's foreign minister, Choe Son-hui, visited Moscow last month, possibly in efforts to address or deny these allegations. Despite North Korea's denials, the U.S. is monitoring the situation closely, particularly any potential involvement of North Korean engineers within Ukraine, although no corroboration has been established on that front.

Ryder underscored that if North Korean troops begin to support combat operations against Ukraine, they would be considered legitimate military targets by the U.S. He speculated that the incoming North Korean forces might be receiving training in various military operations such as drones, artillery, and infantry to supplement Russia's losses.

The introduction of 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean soldiers into a combat zone is significant in terms of combat capability. However, the actual impact will largely depend on how well these forces are integrated into the Russian military structure. Ryder concluded by expressing confidence in the Ukrainian military's ability to defend its positions and maintain the ground they have already secured in Kursk.