The United States has issued a strong warning to North Korea after the country officially confirmed it has been sending troops to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine.

According to reports, North Korea initially deployed between 10,000 and 12,000 soldiers to Russia last year. In recent weeks, another 3,000 troops were sent, following heavy Russian casualties on the front lines.

While intelligence agencies have long suspected Pyongyang’s support for Moscow, the North Korean government only formally confirmed its involvement on April 28. The deployment was described as part of a mutual defense treaty with Russia.

In a statement to state media, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the soldiers were sent to “annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers and liberate the Kursk area in co-operation with the Russian armed forces.”

He praised the troops as “heroes and representatives of the honor of the motherland.”

In response, the US State Department condemned North Korea’s involvement and called for an immediate end to its military support of Russia. “We continue to be concerned by North Korea’s direct involvement in the war.

US issues bold new demand to North Korea
Its military deployment to Russia, and any support provided by the Russian Federation in return, must end,” a spokesperson said in a statement to The Independent.

Beyond personnel, North Korea is reportedly supplying Russia with large quantities of conventional weapons. Analysts warn that in exchange, Moscow may provide North Korea with advanced military technology that could bolster Kim Jong Un’s nuclear weapons program, a growing concern for both the US and South Korea.

Pyongyang is also expected to receive economic assistance and other support from Russia in return for its continued involvement, according to the Press Association.

The Trump administration’s rebuke of North Korea comes just days after President Donald Trump shared a message addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticizing the ongoing attacks on civilian targets. “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days,” Trump said.

He added, “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war. He’s just stringing me along. Maybe he has to be dealt with differently, through banking or secondary sanctions? Too many people are dying!!!”

Since returning to office at the start of the year, Trump has positioned himself as a would-be mediator in the conflict, working to broker peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. While a few short-term ceasefires have been achieved, a lasting resolution remains elusive.