US says North Korean troops are now in Russia

The United States has “evidence” that North Korean troops have deployed to Russia, the U.S. defense secretary said Wednesday.

Lloyd Austin said that it remains to be seen what exactly Pyongyang’s forces are doing there, but according to South Korean and Ukrainian warnings, they are preparing to join Russia’s side in the war in Ukraine.

“If they’re a co-belligerent, their intention is to participate in this war on Russia’s behalf, that is a very, very serious issue, and it will have impacts not only on in Europe — It will also impact things in the Indo Pacific as well,” Austin said.

Austin said the U.S. is also still attempting to determine what North Korea will get in return for helping Russia with manpower.

This story is being updated.