NATO accuses N. Korea of undermining peace, security

BRUSSELS, Oct 28 (KUNA) -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Monday that the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia undermines peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and represents a dangerous expansion of Russia's war in Ukraine.
Rutte warned in a press conference at NATO's headquarters in Brussels that the deployment of North Korean troops signifies "a significant escalation and another violation of UN Security Council resolutions, as well as a dangerous expansion of Russia's war," noting that the increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea poses a threat to security in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic regions. He emphasised that it "undermines peace on the Korean Peninsula and fuels the Russian war against Ukraine." Rutte added that North Korea has also provided Russia with millions of rounds of ammunition and ballistic missiles "that are fueling a major conflict in the heart of Europe and undermining global peace and security." In return, he said, "Putin is providing North Korea with military technology and other support to circumvent international sanctions." Rutte stressed that NATO allies will continue to support a "free and democratic Ukraine" because "Ukraine's security is our security." He noted that allies discussed the need to enhance military support for Ukraine in today's meeting.
Rutte noted that he contacted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to thank him for the intelligence provided by South Korea today to NATO allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.
He reported that a delegation from South Korea, during a meeting with the North Atlantic Council and other Indo-Pacific partners (Australia, Japan, and New Zealand), presented important intelligence regarding "North Korea's ongoing involvement in Russia's illegal war against Ukraine." The delegation included senior representatives from South Korea's national intelligence and Ministry of National Defense.
Rutte said that he can confirm today the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, in addition to the deployment of North Korean military units in the Russian Kursk region.
Media reports have indicated that North Korea has sent around 3,000 troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. (end) arn.hb