**U.S. Officials Warn North Korean Troops in Russia Are Legitimate Targets**

Top U.S. officials have issued stark warnings about North Korean troops gathering in Russia near Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin declared on Thursday that these troops will be "legitimate military targets" if they engage in combat operations.

The Biden administration disclosed that approximately 8,000 North Korean soldiers are now stationed in Russia, close to Ukraine's border. This count is a significant escalation from earlier estimates when some troops had been spotted near the Kursk region. The total number of North Korean troops in Russia is roughly estimated to be around 10,000, although South Korea suggests the figure might have risen to 11,000, with Ukraine estimating up to 12,000.

During a press briefing in Washington that included their South Korean counterparts, Blinken detailed that the North Korean soldiers have not yet entered combat but are expected to do so imminently. He noted that Russia has been conducting training for these troops in artillery, drone operations, and basic infantry tasks, hinting at planned frontline deployment.

The growing Russian-North Korean military coordination has generated global concern, prompting discussions during a meeting between U.S. and South Korean leaders. South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul vehemently condemned the actions and called for an immediate withdrawal, citing the broader threat to both the European continent and the Korean Peninsula.

Austin emphasized that the North Korean troops, now in Russian uniforms and equipped with Russian gear, would inevitably become combatants. However, he reassured that their presence is unlikely to significantly alter the battlefield in favor of Russia, highlighting that over 500,000 Russian forces have already been killed or wounded in the ongoing conflict.

Both U.S. and South Korean officials have urged China to intervene, expressing fears that the involvement of North Korean soldiers could further destabilize the region. Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over potential technological exchanges between Russia and North Korea, particularly after North Korea's recent test of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

In a united front, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan released a joint statement denouncing the missile test and the increased military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. They urged North Korea to cease its provocative actions, describing them as threats to regional and global security.