Pentagon Press Secretary, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, has confirmed reports indicating a substantial North Korean military presence in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, estimating between 11,000 to 12,000 troops. These developments raise concerns about the potential involvement of North Korean forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the exact nature of their operations is still under investigation, Ryder emphasized a clear stance from the U.S. Department of Defense: should these troops engage in combat support operations against Ukraine, they will be considered legitimate military targets for Ukrainian forces.
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing at the Pentagon, Nov. 4, 2024.
The influx of North Korean troops into Russia occurred last month, with reports suggesting they are undergoing training by Russian forces. This training encompasses various critical military skills, including infantry tactics, unmanned aerial vehicle operation, artillery handling, and trench warfare techniques. According to Pentagon officials, all indications suggest that these North Korean units are intended to provide some form of combat or combat support capability, potentially bolstering Russia’s military operations. General Ryder stated, “We would fully expect that the Ukrainians would do what they need to do to defend themselves and their personnel,” underscoring the anticipated response from Ukraine should these forces become actively involved.
A notable aspect of this deployment is the provision of Russian uniforms and equipment to the North Korean troops. This detail raises questions about the intended integration of these forces into existing Russian military structures and their specific roles on the battlefield. Ryder commented, “We’ll see exactly how these forces are integrated into Russian operations, and how they’re committed to the battlefield, assuming that they are replacements for Russian forces.” The provision of Russian army uniforms to North Korean soldiers could be a strategic move to integrate them seamlessly or possibly obscure their national identity in operational contexts.
Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder briefing on North Korean troop presence in Russia and potential implications for Ukraine conflict.
General Ryder also referenced Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s prior remarks regarding the significant casualties suffered by Russian forces in Ukraine. The deployment of North Korean troops, potentially outfitted in Russian army uniforms, is viewed by some analysts as a move to compensate for these losses. Ryder himself suggested this possibility, stating, “The North Korean forces could be coming in to replace the massive losses that Russia is experiencing. I think that is probably a fair assessment, and I certainly would not want to be a North Korean soldier there.” This highlights the perilous situation these troops may face if deployed to the front lines.
In a related announcement, Ryder addressed the augmentation of U.S. military assets in the Central Command region. This deployment includes additional ballistic missile defense destroyers, fighter squadrons, tanker aircraft, and B-52 long-range strike bombers. While these deployments are focused on the Middle East, Ryder emphasized they reflect the U.S.’s commitment to protecting its citizens and interests, defending allies like Israel, and pursuing de-escalation through deterrence and diplomacy on a global scale. These forces join existing U.S. assets in the region, further demonstrating the U.S.’s capability to rapidly deploy and respond to evolving security challenges worldwide. Secretary Austin has made it clear that any hostile actions from Iran or its proxies targeting American personnel or interests will be met with decisive defensive measures from the United States.
