NATO cannot confirm reports of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said this at today’s press conference in Brussels ahead of the Defense Ministers’ Conference.

When asked by a Ukrinform correspondent whether the alliance had information about the ongoing transfer of North Korean troops for their further participation in the war against Ukraine, Rutte replied:

“I cannot confirm these reports, but they are obviously worrying. What we do know is that North Korea is helping advance Russia’s war effort against Ukraine. And we strongly condemn the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. But at this point in time.” “We cannot confirm the reports you mentioned,” said the alliance leader.

He pointed out that North Korea, in cooperation with China and Iran, was helping Russia in the war. At the same time, Russia also pays for this support – not always with money – and in return provides its knowledge, insights, innovations and technology.

This reciprocal movement is not always beneficial for Russia, argued Mark Rutte.

As previously reported, a two-day NATO defense ministers meeting begins on Thursday in Brussels, where one of the main topics on the agenda will be continued support for Ukraine. As expected, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will take part in the meeting.