The Pentagon made a game-changing announcement yesterday about US-donated weapons: Ukraine can fire them at North Korean soldiers who join Russian forces. Sabrina Singh‚ Pentagonʼs spokeswoman confirmed that North Korean troops would be treated as co-belligerents in the conflict
Intelligence reports show that from roughly 10‚000 North-Korean soldiers sent to Russia (which is three times more than earlier estimates) some units are now moving closer to combat areas. Singh pointed out: “We have growing worries that Russia plans to use these troops near Ukraineʼs border in Kursk Oblast; either in direct combat or support roles“
If they are in combat‚ theyʼre fighting the Ukrainians‚ who are fighting for their sovereign territory. And weʼve made a commitment to Ukraine that weʼre going to continue to support them with whatever it takes
The US keeps some limits in-place though:
* No long-range Atacms missiles for cross-border strikes
* British Storm Shadow missiles cant be used for raids into Russia
* Other weapon systems are ok to use on Russian soil
Joe Biden called this situation “very dangerous“ while casting his vote in Delaware. NATOʼs chief Mark Rutte backed-up these reports after meeting South Korean intelligence: he confirmed NK troops movement to Kursk region
Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha says they warned about this for weeks and wants allies to remove long-range strike limits. His message on social media was clear - its time to listen to Ukraine and lift these restrictions