Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on its allies to take immediate action as North Korean troops deployed in Russia near the Ukrainian border. Zelenskyy expressed concerns over the potential threat posed by the presence of these troops and urged for preemptive measures to be taken.
Zelenskyy highlighted the need for permission from allies to utilize Western-made long-range weapons to target the camps where the North Korean troops are being trained. He emphasized that Ukraine cannot act unilaterally in this regard and requires support from its allies.
The Biden administration confirmed reports of approximately 8,000 North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia's Kursk region, preparing to assist the Kremlin in its conflict against Ukrainian forces. This development has raised alarms among Western leaders, who view it as a significant escalation with potential repercussions for the Indo-Pacific region.
Ukrainian officials have stressed the importance of using Western weapons to strike strategic targets deep inside Russia, aiming to compel Moscow to seek a peaceful resolution. However, U.S. defense officials have noted the limited availability of such missiles and highlighted Ukraine's use of long-range drones for targeted strikes.
In response to the escalating tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a warning, stating that any approval of strikes by the U.S. and NATO would result in Russia being 'at war' with these states.
The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue, with North Korean and Russian officials holding discussions in Moscow. The international community closely monitors the developments in Ukraine and the potential implications of the North Korean troop deployment.
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