North Korea set to acquire nuclear weapons
North Korea is likely to seek advanced nuclear technology from Russia in exchange for deploying troops to Ukraine, according to South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who spoke at the Pentagon on Wednesday.
Pyongyang has been actively pursuing a substantial nuclear arsenal to serve as a military deterrent, particularly against the United States, which collaborates closely with South Korea.
This agreement would resemble the one between Russia and Iran, in which Moscow provided nuclear development technology to Tehran in return for military equipment, including drones.
The South Korean minister believes that, while such an arrangement could heighten "security threats" in the region, it is unlikely to destabilize the delicate balance between North and South Korea.
South Korea was one of the first countries to report that North Korean troops had joined Russia for training before being sent to the front lines in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials, meanwhile, have claimed that North Korean military personnel have been spotted in the Kursk region.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has indicated that at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers are currently training in eastern Russia.
"The evidence now suggests that North Korea has sent around 10,000 soldiers to train in eastern Russia. Some of these DPRK troops have already moved closer to Ukraine, and we’re seeing them outfitted with Russian uniforms and provided with Russian equipment," he said.
(QG - Source : CNN / Picture: © Pixabay)