North Korean troops could join war this weekend, Ukraine warns as Putin alarms China

Reports that North Korea is sending soldiers to fight for Russia in Ukraine are likely to be unwelcome in China, which has long been North Korea’s main ally.

HONG KONG — North Korean troops will begin fighting alongside Russian forces as soon as this weekend, Ukraine said Friday — adding new urgency to a stunning turn in the war that has alarmed the Kremlin’s foes but may also be causing a headache for its friends.

Reports confirmed by Washington this week that North Korea is sending soldiers to Russia to possible battle Ukraine have raised serious concern among the U.S. and its allies, who say their involvement marks a major escalation in the grinding conflict and could deepen security risks for North Korea’s neighbors.

It is also likely to be unwelcome news in China, which has long been North Korea’s main ally but whose influence over the reclusive nuclear-armed state is being eroded by leader Kim Jong Un’s growing relationship with President Vladimir Putin.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang in June.Getty ImagesFor Beijing, the deployment of troops from Pyongyang is the latest and most alarming sign of Moscow’s encroachment.

“I think they’re very uncomfortable with it,” said Ian Bremmer, founder and president of Eurasia Group, a consulting firm based in New York.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/north-korea-soldiers-russia-ukraine-war-putin-china-rcna177211

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