Almost three years after the war between Russia and Ukraine began, peace between both nations seems increasingly distant. In the last hours the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, assured that North Korean troops They began to fight alongside the forces of Russia in the Russian region of Kursk, the scene for months of a Ukrainian incursion that Moscow has still not repelled.
In a speech to the population, Zelensky announced that he already has in his hands “preliminary data on the use of North Korean soldiersa significant number of them, by Russia in its assaults.” Along these lines, the top Ukrainian leader targeted the Kremlin leader: “If this is not escalation, then what is the escalation that so many are talking about? It is Putin who takes measures to expand and prolong this war, further distancing the possibility of peace.”
Ukraine assures that North Korean troops participate in the war with Russia
Although the Kremlin’s latest report on operations in Kursk does not mention the use of North Korean allied forces and only limits itself to announcing the death of 200 Ukrainian soldiers During Russian operations in 11 locations in the region (according to the Russian Ministry of Defense), Western allies have been analyzing the North Korean presence in this region for months. He United States Department of Defense It is estimated that there are about 11,000 North Koreans present in the region.
Its deployment, as Ukraine’s allies understand, is a consequence of the security pact signed last June by the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un.
In this sense, Zelensky He spoke to his population and stated that he has “preliminary data on Russia’s use of North Korean soldiers, a significant number of them, in its assaults.” As detailed, the Russians are integrating the North Korean military into “combined forces” assault that at the moment “they are only operating in Kursk” although “the use could extend to other parts of the front.”
“The losses among these North Korean troops are already notable. In fact, Moscow dragged yet another state into this war, and did so to the full extent. And if this is not escalation, then what is the escalation that so many talk about? It is Putin who takes measures to expand and prolong this war, further distancing the possibility of peace,” denounced the president.
“And he wants the world to face additional problems in Asia as well, which is why the Russians are training North Korea in modern warfare. “It is clear that Moscow is ignoring requests for de-escalation from all countries, from China and Brazil to many others,” Zelensky added.
“We will defend ourselves, even from these North Koreans,” Zelensky promised, saying that “we will continue to act in coordination with all our partners.” to stop this war, with determination and towards peace with guarantees.”
In another message, Zelensky referred to a new Russian drone attack on Ukrainian soiland asked for more support from its foreign partners with the necessary weapons.
The United States sent a new military aid package to Ukraine
Amid the latest tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the United States, still governed by Democrat Joe Biden, announced a new military aid package for Zelensky, valued at $500 million.. Its objective is to strengthen the country’s defense against the war, which will be 3 years old on February 24.
“Through mid-January, we will deliver to Ukraine hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, hundreds of armored vehicles and other critical capabilities,” a senior White House official said. This is the 72nd military assistance package approved by the Bid administrationin. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that this is the commitment made by Biden in his September meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
During that meeting, a plan was drawn up to accelerate the delivery of weapons before the change of administration. According to Blinken, Ukraine needs “urgently” these capabilities to defend against ““Russian aggression”. The new package includes drones, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), HARM anti-radiation missiles, 155 and 105 millimeter artillery shells, Javelin and TOW anti-tank missiles.
On the other hand, Biden’s administration – just over a month after leaving office – is considering sending demolition teams, protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, and light tactical vehicles. At a press conference, Homeland Security spokesman John Kirby highlighted that the Biden’s policy seeks to ensure that Zelensky has the best possible conditions for future negotiations.
“The Department of Defense is undertaking a historic effort to move large quantities of weapons to Ukraine in the next five weeks“a senior official told CNN. The interagency effort to deliver the weapons is led by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who in November promised to “accelerate” deliveries of armored vehicles, rockets, artillery and more.
Source: Ambito
