North Korea seeks Russian arms as Ukraine conflict deepens
The South Korean defence minister warns of the potential consequences Russia might face for providing military support in Ukraine to the Kim Jong Un regime. According to him, North Korea has a specific agenda — to acquire intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and tactical nuclear weapons.
The South Korean defence minister cautions that Pyongyang may aim to obtain Russian ICBM technology and nuclear weapons in exchange for military support in Ukraine. During a press conference in Washington, Kim Yong-hyun and his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, called on North Korea to withdraw its troops from Russia, reports the Polish Press Agency.
At the media briefing, Kim Yong-hyun expressed concerns that North Korea may send 3,000 troops to Russia to support Moscow's activities in Ukraine. In return, Pyongyang might gain access to advanced Russian military technology.
There is a significant likelihood that North Korea will request technology transfer from various sectors in exchange for sending its troops, the minister stated. He indicated that this could involve tactical nuclear weapons, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and submarine-related technology.
Lloyd Austin noted that Ukrainian troops will be able to use US-supplied weapons in combat against North Korean forces. He also emphasized that "it is highly likely that troops sent by Pyongyang will perish if they choose to fight alongside the Russians." Both ministers urged North Korea to cease military support for Russia and underscored the importance of the alliance between Seoul and Washington for the region's stability.
North Korean regime and the US elections
Kim Hyun also addressed potential actions by Pyongyang in the context of the upcoming US presidential elections. The South Korean minister warned that the North Koreans will likely want to attract attention before and after the elections, as quoted by PAP.
He suggested that North Korea might attempt another ICBM launch or a seventh nuclear test. South Korean lawmakers expressed similar concerns following a parliamentary committee meeting involving the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Despite increasing tensions, Kim Yong-Hyun stated that he does not believe that strengthening Pyongyang's relations with Moscow heightens the risk of war on the Korean Peninsula. He expressed confidence in the strength and effectiveness of the South Korea-US alliance in ensuring the region's security.
