Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: According to Reuters, Ukraine says that a total of about 12,000 North Korean troops, including 500 officers and 3 commanders, are present in Russia, and training is underway in 5 military bases.

 

Ukraine had previously asked its allies to resolutely respond to North Korea's military presence in the war by imposing new sanctions and further isolating Pyongyang.

 

John Kirby, the coordinator of strategic communications at the National Security Council of the White House, also claimed yesterday: "North Korea has sent at least 3,000 soldiers to Russia." He further clarified that Washington has no information about whether the North Korean army stationed in Russia will participate in its military operations or not.

 

In this regard, Germany and Austria summoned North Korea's top diplomats on Wednesday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany wrote on X social network: "If the reports about the presence of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine are true and this country supports Russia's invasion of Ukraine by sending its troops, this is a serious issue and a violation of international law."

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is attending the BRICS summit, did not deny such claims in a conversation with reporters. A few hours ago, in response to a question about the satellite images of the movements of the North Korean army, he said: "The image is a serious thing. If there are images, then they reflect something." However, Putin further pointed out that NATO officers were also directly involved in the war in Ukraine and exacerbated this crisis. He said that Russia has signed a defense agreement with North Korea, but the actions that take place within it are only "relevant to the two countries".