Biden: Ukraine Should Attack North Korean Troops if They Enter Its Territory

story

OCT 30 2024

Above: US Pres. Joe Biden delivers remarks on Oct. 29, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. Image copyright: Anna Rose Layden/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Imagesstory last updated OCT 31 2024

The Facts

US Pres. Joe Biden told media on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces should strike back if North Korean troops "go into Ukraine," expressing concern over the alleged presence of an estimated 10K soldiers in Russia, including in the embattled Kursk region.
This comes as the Pentagon declared on Monday that Ukraine faces no curbs on using American weapons against North Korean troops if they attack Ukrainian forces.
According to the Financial Times, which cited Ukrainian intelligence officials, about 3K North Korean troops have been secretly transported to Kursk earlier this week and housed in barracks only 50 km (30 miles) from the border.

The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

Even if these unsubstantiated claims were true, the deployment of North Korean troops to aid Russia would conform to international norms. Regardless, there is no concrete evidence of North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine. The focus should remain on diplomatic solutions and de-escalation rather than fueling further tensions based on unverified reports.

TASS

Pro-establishment narrative

North Korea's deployment of troops in Russia's war against Ukraine signifies a dangerous new level of alliance among authoritarian states. Moscow seeks to bolster its struggling forces while giving Pyongyang valuable combat experience against Western military techniques. This deepening collaboration between Russia and North Korea, as well as with China and Iran, poses an increasingly cohesive threat that extends far beyond Ukraine.

Washington Post