In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Finnish President Alexander Stubb highlighted the alarming development of North Korea sending troops to assist Russia in Ukraine, a move that underscores the desperation Russia has faced in its ongoing invasion for the past two and a half years.
Officials from both Ukraine and South Korea have accused North Korea of dispatching thousands of soldiers to support Russian troops in the conflict. South Korean intelligence agencies reported last week that North Korea has sent 1,500 special forces soldiers to the Russian Far East for training, potentially preparing them for deployment in the Ukrainian war.
The Kremlin has declined to comment on whether North Korean soldiers are indeed involved in the Ukraine conflict.
During his visit to Berlin, Stubb remarked, “What we are witnessing is a clear indication of Russia’s desperation. With few global allies left, they are relying on Iran for weapons and now North Korea is sending troops. How much worse can the situation get?”
He also warned that the deployment of North Korean forces could lead to an escalation of conflicts.
Finland became a member of NATO last year, marking a significant shift in its national policy since Russia’s incursion into Ukraine. The border between Finland and Russia stretches over 1,340 kilometers.
Looking ahead, Stubb is set to visit China from October 28 to 31, where he plans to convey to President Xi Jinping that any peace agreement in Ukraine cannot proceed without the involvement of Ukrainian representatives. He will urge China not to provide any support to Russia, particularly in the form of dual-use materials that could be utilized for military purposes.
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