Ukraine Publishes Video of North Korean Soldiers Preparing for Putin's War
NewsweekOct 18
Biden: Ukraine Should Attack North Korean Troops if They Enter Its Territory
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 Images
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.
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.
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.