****

The United States has issued a recent warning about the arrival of North Korean soldiers in the western region of Kursk in Russia. These troops are expected to support Russia in countering Ukrainian forces that invaded the area in August.

The Pentagon has reported that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to eastern Russia for training, with many now moving towards the conflicted Kursk region. Confirming these developments, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the deployment as a "dangerous expansion" of the current conflict.

Reports from Ukrainian and American officials last week suggested that several thousand North Korean troops had already reached Kursk. Military experts suggest this number, although relatively small compared to the massive forces deployed by both sides, could still significantly aid Moscow’s efforts to reclaim its territory in the region.

John Foreman, a former British defense attaché in Moscow and Kyiv, commented on the potential impact of these troops, noting that as their numbers grow, their influence on the battlefield might become evident through the progress of Russia's counterattacks. The specific roles these North Korean soldiers will play remain uncertain. Analysts speculate that they could either participate in direct attacks or take on defensive duties, freeing up Russian soldiers for frontline assaults. However, their effectiveness remains to be seen, particularly given potential coordination issues with Russian forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated last Friday that the North Korean troops are anticipated to begin combat operations early this week. A Ukrainian soldier stationed in the Kursk area mentioned receiving warnings from higher commands about the likelihood of an imminent assault involving the newly arrived troops.